The giant pandas presented by the Central Government to celebrate the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's 10th anniversary have arrived, with the male being named Le Le and the female Ying Ying.

The names signify a prosperous and joyful Hong Kong, with a thriving economy.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang said they are a precious gift from the Central People's Government, and they will meet the public on July 1.

New residents: Le Le and Ying Ying arrive in Hong Kong, while Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho and State Forestry Administration head Zhao Xuemin announce the pandas' names.

The pandas left the China Panda Protection & Research Centre in Wolong, Sichuan, at 8am today.

They travelled in specially-designed cages to keep them comfortable and relaxed during their journey. Accompanied by five experts, the pair arrived at Hong Kong International Airport at 4pm where a handover ceremony was held and their new names announced.

As a total of 19 participants put forward Le Le and Ying Ying, lots will be drawn to decide the naming contest winner.

Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Central People's Government in giving a pair of young giant pandas to Hong Kong, after giving An An and Jia Jia in 1999.

"This fully demonstrates the love and support of the Central People's Government for Hong Kong," he said.

They were then transported to their new home at Ocean Park where they will be quarantined.

The Home Affairs Bureau will maintain close liaison with Ocean Park during the giant pandas' two-month quarantine and adaptation period and suitably updates the public on their latest situation.

The Central Government presented the first pair of pandas - An An and Jia Jia - as gifts to Hong Kong in 1999. They also live at Ocean Park.