"AsiaWorld-Expo" has been officially unveiled today as the name of Hong Kong's major new exhibition and events centre which is set to open in December 2005.

The name, "AsiaWorld-Expo" has been chosen to reflect the Centre's position at the trading heart of the Asia Pacific region. The name "AsiaWorld-Expo" uniquely complements Hong Kong's overall branding as "Asia's World City".

AsiaWorld-Expo will offer more than 70,000 square metres of rentable space, including 66,000 square meters of ground level, column free exhibition hall space. The complex will also include an arena style, multi purpose hall seating over 13,000 people, which will stage major international concerts, conferences and an exciting programme of family entertainment events.

AsiaWorld-Expo will be an integral part of various major developments (including DisneyLand) in the vicinity. It will be located at the centre of a unique multi modal transport hub, adjacent to Hong Kong International Airport and will have its own dedicated MTR station. The cross-boundary ferry terminal will link the site with key destinations in China's Pearl River Delta and with Macau.

Allen Ha, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said: "AsiaWorld-Expo is a tremendously exciting project - one that will be instrumental in expanding and leading the exhibition market in the World's fastest growing region. This is going to be a truly world class facility that will set new standards and lead the way."

The new centre is being built under a private public partnership, with the Airport Authority contributing the land and The Hong Kong Government, Dragages et Travaux Public and Yu Ming Investments providing the finance and operational management. The NEC Group is providing management and operational expertise.