Chief Secretary Henry Tang encourages people to visit an exhibit at the former Central Police Station compound that showcases Hong Kong's participation in the World Exposition 2010 Shanghai China, including the themes of its pavilion and Urban Best Practices Area exhibit.

At the exhibit's opening this afternoon, Mr Tang said the Shanghai expo, which will run from May to October in 2010, will again thrust China into the world spotlight following the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Noting preparations for both the Hong Kong Pavilion and its Urban Best Practices Area exhibit are progressing well, he said Hong Kong will use the Shanghai expo as a platform to showcase our city's attractions, quality of life and creative industries.

City spotlight: Chief Secretary Henry Tang addresses the media in the former Police compound courtyard, as the expo's official mascot looks on. He tours the Hong Kong exhibit inside the historic building and admires a model of the upcoming Shanghai expo's China Pavilion.

Hong Kong will also grasp the opportunity to learn from other countries and regions, he added.

The "Expo 2010 Shanghai China - Hong Kong Promotion Week" and "Exhibition on Shanghai Expo 2010 and the history of World Expos" being staged at the former Police compound through October 18 will help Hong Kong people understand more about the upcoming Shanghai expo and get ready to participate in the event.

Hong Kong's participation in the expo will help enhance our city's image, showcase its strengths and attractions, promote its broader commercial interests to Mainland and international audiences, and strengthen its economic relations with the Mainland.

The local exhibition traces the history of world expos and gives visitors first-hand impressions of the future Hong Kong pavilion, including its main theme - "A City With Unlimited Potential".

Visitors also have the chance to tour the 150-year-old Police compound, to see how this historical building can be used for other purposes to preserve the city's history and heritage.