Guests shovel soil during the Commencement of Works Ceremony for the Hong Kong Pavilion of the 2010 World Exposition in Shanghai, April 10, 2009. The Hong Kong Pavilion possesses an area of around 600 square meters, and the construction is scheduled to be finished in 11 months. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) Photo Gallery>>>

    HONG KONG, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Construction started Friday on the Hong Kong Pavilion for the World Exposition 2010 Shanghai China, according to the Hong Kong government website on Friday.

    "The commencement of works ceremony for the Hong Kong Pavilion marks another milestone in Hong Kong's participation in Shanghai Expo," said Patrick Chan, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs, Shanghai.

    Chan said an exhibition would be held in the Shanghai Expo Exhibition Center in July to promote Hong Kong's participation in the Shanghai Expo.

A guest addresses the Commencement of Works Ceremony for the Hong Kong Pavilion of the 2010 World Exposition in Shanghai, April 10, 2009. The Hong Kong Pavilion possesses an area of around 600 square meters, and the construction is scheduled to be finished in 11 months. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) Photo Gallery>>>

    The stand-alone Hong Kong Pavilion, located in the south of the China Pavilion and adjacent to the Macao Pavilion, will occupy a site of about 600 square meters within the China Pavilion Area in Pudong, Shanghai.

    The Pavilion's theme is Hong Kong -- A City with Unlimited Potential. It will highlight Hong Kong's unique characteristics and showcase the city's creativity as well as connectivity with the Chinese mainland and the world.

    The three-level pavilion will have a sleek, contemporary look. The middle level is mostly transparent giving the pavilion a distinctive image that symbolizes the infinite imagination and creativity of Hong Kong and its people.

    Construction is expected to take about 11 months.

    During the six-month Expo period, a range of activities and events promoting Hong Kong will be held, including a Hong Kong Week in October 2010.

    The Shanghai World Expo will be held from May 1 to Oct. 31 next year under the theme Better City, Better Life.