HONG KONG, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Tickets for World Exposition 2010 Shanghai China started to be sold on Thursday in Hong Kong.

    The Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, the Hong Kong government and the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Ltd., which is the sole official agent for ticket distribution in Hong Kong, jointly organized a sales launching ceremony on Thursday.

    The Shanghai World Expo offers nine different types of tickets under two broad categories including individuals and groups.

    Tickets on sale in Hong Kong range from 107 HK dollars (about 13.8 US dollars) to 1063 HK dollars (about 137.3 US dollars). Group tickets were on sale begin on Thursday, while individuals can place their order from July 1.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Director General of Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination Chen Xianjin said that a total of233 countries and regions and international institutions have confirmed participation.

    Chen said the Expo expected to attract 70 million local and international visitors and he anticipated satisfying ticket sales in Hong Kong.

    The Shanghai World Expo will be held from May 1 to Oct. 31 next year.