The show will be held on both sides of Two International Finance Centre (IFC) and the rooftop of nine other buildings nearby. The entire event will be broadcast by major television channels worldwide via satellite and on the HKTB's website.

Learning from last year, the HKTB plans to cut costs by organizing a longer fireworks show with the same budget, Lau explained.

At the same time, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre will put on music and dance performances on the New Year's Eve. The countdown will start one minute before midnight.

A giant LED display board on the facade of Two IFC, facing the harbor, will show a numerical countdown to go alongside the pyrotechnic show.

In addition, the HKTB plans to ramp up promotional events in Macao. "The mega show can further heighten the exposure of Hong Kong on the global basis. Over time it would definitely help drive tourists to come to Hong Kong," Lau said.

(China Daily December 10, 2008)