The expo, with over 860 booths by a total of 426 exhibitors at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, opens from 11am to 8pm every day and will run until January 1 next year. 

After attending the opening ceremony this morning, Lee spent about half an hour shopping and talking to the shopkeepers before buying dried Chinese mushrooms, some nuts, and other snacks. 

When asked if he was buying the artificial flowers for his wife, Lee grinned and said, “We have to support our very own social enterprises for sure.” Yet, Lee didn't respond when reporters asked about the progress on reopening borders with the mainland. 

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung was also spotted shopping at the expo. 

In the opening ceremony, Allen Shi Lop-tak, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, said, “We are delighted to stage this iconic event in Hong Kong once again. We hope that the wonderful vibes and positive energy created by Hong Kong’s biggest outdoor expo can bring a sense of normality to the city and prove to the world that it is back on the up. 

“With even more bargains, prizes, fun-filled activities, and immersive experiences than last year, we also look forward to the expo giving a boost to Hong Kong’s economic recovery.” 

At the stroke of eleven, many citizens flocked to a booth where a can of abalone was only priced at HK$1, and the daily limited offer of 20 cans of abalone was soon snapped up within five minutes, according to the exhibitor. 

An exhibitor that sells dried seafood believed the shop's sales volume could increase by 20 to 30 percent thanks to the overwhelming response from citizens. 

However, some citizens said some of the anti-pandemic rules, including the LeaveHomeSafe app mandate and no eating and drinking rule were inconvenient, hoping they would be gone in the future. 

This year's expo features ten thematic areas and offers products ranging from food and beverages, grocery items, and dried seafood, to beauty and healthcare products.