Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho says the opportunity for Hong Kong to host the East Asian Games in 2009 helps sustain our position as Asia's world city and a major events capital in the region.

He made the remarks at a welcome dinner for delegates to the 22nd East Asian Games Association council meeting today.

He reaffirmed that Hong Kong is determined to make the games a success.

Commercial sector keen to sponsor games

Earlier in the day, delegates from the nine member places held the council's first meeting in Hong Kong since the city took over the hosting right of the 2009 games.

"We will invest over $1 billion to equip our sports facilities for hosting the event," he said.

"We have also gained great support from local dignitaries and the commercial sector who are very forthcoming and generous in sponsoring and supporting the 2009 games."