Business people in the Pacific island nation of Fiji are preparing themselves for the World Expo to be held in Shanghai, China in May.

With the theme "Building Bridges Through the Journey," Fiji participants are encouraged to make a mark in Shanghai for six months after its launch in May.

Fiji's Commissioner General to the Expo Annie Rogers on Friday urged the business community to take advantage of the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the rest of the world.

Fiji Day at the world expo will be on August 6, with Fiji's contributions taking center stage.

Fiji will be promoted through entertainment, crafts display, as well as seminars on investment and trade.

Fiji's participation at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China would cost close to 1.7 million Fiji dollars about (US$867,000).

Rogers has urged businesses community to participate in the event as an opportunity to show their products.

The shipment of products for display in May when the expo opens is expected to leave the country by February.

Fiji can display as many products as possible but only allowed to sell five products that should be 100 percent sourced from within Fiji.

The five identified products include noni, pearls, handicrafts, body products and Fiji water.

Other products to be on display during the expo are furniture, beche de mer, Fiji liquor, sugar, kava, sandalwood as well as shoes.

Tourism Fiji would have a space in the Fiji booth in China among 227 countries around the world.

An investment seminar is also planned during the expo to benefit countries like Fiji.

Rogers said that their aim is not only to create awareness on Fiji's products but also attract investors to do their investment in the island nation's shores and other sectors.

(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2010)