Press Releases

Opening of the "One Country, Two Systems" Exhibition at the Hong Kong Pavilion at Shanghai Expo

     A thematic exhibition on "One Country, Two Systems" will be staged at the Expo Park Zone A, Hong Kong Pavilion, Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo) by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. The exhibition, which will last for 23 days, will open tomorrow (June 23) until July 15. It aims at showcasing to the Expo visitors from all over the world the characteristics and richness of meaning of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems".

     On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong reunited with the motherland. The HKSAR was established and the Basic Law of the HKSAR was officially implemented on the same day. Today, the principles of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and "High degree of autonomy" have all been fully implemented in Hong Kong while the previous capitalist system and people's way of life remain unchanged. Hong Kong has remained as a free port, preserved its status as an international trade, financial and shipping centre, and has continued to be Asia's world city.

     Nearly 13 years have passed since Hong Kong's reunification with the motherland. During this period, we have fully capitalised on the advantages of "One Country, Two Systems", and leveraged on the Mainland while engaging ourselves globally. Through CEPA (Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement) and multi-level regional co-operations, we have actively formulated multi-faceted co-operative measures and initiatives with the Mainland and have further opened up new areas for development, including becoming an offshore centre for renminbi business.

     The thematic exhibition on "One Country, Two Systems" comprises three parts: Hong Kong Before 1997, Establishment of the HKSAR, and Characteristics and Achievements of Hong Kong under the Principle of "One Country, Two Systems". These three parts will tell the story of the historical link between Hong Kong and her motherland, the historical moment when Hong Kong reunited with her motherland, the characteristics of "One Country, Two Systems", as well as the outstanding achievements attained by Hong Kong residents before and after the reunification. An "Electronic Basic Law" has been installed in the exhibition area to allow visitors to turn over the pages of an electronic version of the well illustrated Basic Law through a wireless sensor.

     The HKSAR's participation in the Shanghai Expo covers a wide range of activities, including an exhibition under the theme "Hong Kong - Unlimited Potential" at the Hong Kong Pavilion, the Urban Best Practices Area Exhibition under the theme "Smart Card‧Smart City‧Smart Life", and a series of cultural performances, performing arts programmes and other exhibitions within and outside the Expo site. For details, please visit the "Welcome to Hong Kong at World Expo 2010 Shanghai" website (www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk/).

Ends/Tuesday, June 22, 2010