Cultural and tourism minister Kevin Yeung on Wednesday said the central government's gift of two pandas means a lot to Hong Kong and has filled the whole city with joy.

The two giant pandas, both aged five, will arrive in the SAR on Thursday.

At a farewell ceremony for the pandas in Sichuan, Yeung said the gift has demonstrated Beijing's care for Hong Kong and affirmed the administration's work in panda conservation.

"The central government had previously given four giant pandas to Hong Kong. Giant pandas are national treasures, carrying deep Chinese cultural and ecological significance," he said.

"At the same time, giant pandas have also connected the people of the mainland and Hong Kong, deepening the connection between us."

Yeung also told reporters that he hopes the public will be able to see the pandas after their quarantine, adding that businesses should use the pandas' popularity to boost sales and tourism.

Xu Qiangxing from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration said the two giant pandas will bring the total number of pandas in Hong Kong to six, meaning the city will have more luck because six is a lucky number.

There will be a naming contest in October for the two pandas, which are currently named "An An" and "Ke Ke".

Some Hongkongers in Sichuan told RTHK that they want the pandas to be named "Hong Hong" and "Kong Kong" to represent the city.

They said they also hope Ocean Park will expand the pavilion space for the pandas so they have more room to move around, and that more panda-themed exhibitions will be held in the SAR to attract tourists.