NZ gears up to impress at world's biggest trade expo in Shanghai

The final touches are being put on the New Zealand pavilion at China's World Expo in Shanghai, set to open on May 1.

New Zealand's commissioner general for the World Expo, Phillip Gibson, said construction of the 2000sq m pavilion was almost completed, and a technical team was still working on the internal fit-out and rooftop garden.

One of the main objectives of New Zealand's decision to take part in the expo was to develop and strengthen trade links between New Zealand businesses and China's dynamic economy.

"More than 160 companies and businesses have already committed to being involved in activities at the New Zealand pavilion, either individually or as part of ministerial or regional delegations," Gibson said.

More than 175 functions had been booked at the pavilion, involving almost 7000 guests.

As well as the rooftop garden, the pavilion would feature a 10m waharoa (Maori gate), carved on site, and pouwhenua (Maori carved pillars) fitted with interactive screens from which visitors would be able to download information about New Zealand to their cellphones.

After entering the pavilion, visitors would pass a 2000kg piece of pounamu.

"This is important because China is a jade culture," Gibson said.

China has been touting the event as the biggest expo in history.