Fiji PM to head to China to attend Expo

SUVA - A delegation led by Fiji Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama will be on a mission to attract Chinese investors at the 2010 Shanghai Expo in China.

Commodore Bainimarama confirmed the trip to Fiji media on Monday night, saying it was a worthwhile one.

He said apart from attending the Expo, he would also meet up with potential investors from China willing to set up business in the island nation.

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"I will be meeting with some investors in China who have shown their interest to come and set up their businesses in our country, "he said.

A highlight of Bainimarama's trip will also be the Fiji National Day Events taking center stage at the Expo.

Bainimarama jets out of Fiji on Friday while the rest of his contingent will leave Fiji on Saturday morning.

He will be accompanied by Air Pacific chief executive officer and managing director David Pflieger, Expo's commissioner general Sovaia Marawa and the executive chair of Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau Adrian Sofield.

The Shanghai Expo theme is "Better City Better Life."

Bainimarama said this represents the common wish for human kind -- that is a better living for the future of the urban areas.

He said a lot would be expected from the trip because he would also discuss Fiji's reforms with potential investors.

Close to 1 million visitors visited the Fiji Pod in the Pacific Pavillion since the Shanghai Expo started in May.

At the Fiji pod, elegant tapa, was introduced along with exquisite handicrafts and natural products for visitors from China and from around the world.