More than 500 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions participated in the 19th Educationand Careers Expo, which opened Thursday in Hong Kong.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the four-day event includes career seminars and education forums designed to help people upgrade their educational qualifications, develop professional skills and enhance their career opportunities.

"The government will continue to work closely with the private sector to provide a healthy environment for educational and career development," said John Tsang, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong on Thursday at the opening ceremony.

The premier event of its kind in Asia, the expo features two main sections -- Educationand Careers. Educational exhibitors come from Hong Kong and around the world, and include colleges and universities, language schools, vocational training outlets and other institutions. The Careers section includes private enterprises, government departments and professional associations.

Exhibitors from outside Hong Kong are up by 34 over last year. They came from China's mainland, Macao and Taiwan, and countries including Australia, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

A wide range of seminars on educational and career development opportunities, as well as video presentations and education forums, was also on offer.