Daily traffic of 7,000 per day expected at the 800 sq m site slated to open May 1

Well before the Shanghai Expo 2010 opens on May 1, the interior of the Hong Kong Pavilion will be completed, early next month, and a trial run will begin, said Patrick Chan, director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai. He expects a traffic flow of 7,000 visitors per day.

Unveiling the model of the Hong Kong Pavilion, Chan said the pavilion is a three-story building, showcasing Hong Kong as a city with unlimited potential.

The pavilion is the brainchild of two young architects who won a concept design competition with over 80 competing entries. The winning design was then developed and enhanced by the pavilion project architect and its designer.

The pavilion has a sleek contemporary look to showcase the infinite imagination and creativity of Hong Kong and its people. It will provide visitors with a stunning impression of Hong Kong as a modern, free and transparent society.

With a total of 800 square meters of exhibition space, the Hong Kong Pavilion represents a city confined by its physical boundaries but opened up to reveal the limitless potential within, he said.

Chan believes that the audiences will have a special feel for Hong Kong after visiting the pavilion through a small exhibition space, which can demonstrate the efficiency and creativity of Hong Kong's people.

Local Canto-pop singer Jackie Cheung has been appointed ambassador of the Hong Kong Pavilion, and a theme song will be composed and written by a local songwriter and a lyricist to commemorate this event.

As the pavilion is not a permanent structure, it may be dismantled after the expo ends; but the Hong Kong SAR government has expressed to the Shanghai authorities its wish to retain the building.

(HK Edition 03/05/2010 page1)