Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Nena Invites States to Participtate in EXPO 98

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): March 13, 1998 –
President Jacob Nena, on January 29, informing the four state governors and inviting their participation in the ExPo 98 in Lisbon, Portugal, commencing, May 22 and will run until
September 30 of this year.

The theme of the EXPO is the Ocean, a Heritage for the Future. Heritage cannotes this universe natural, biological and
geological values, and Future reiterate the vital importance of our relationship with the surrounding environments.Nena requesting each state to submit ideas to the FSM Department
of Economic Affairs for proper handling for the FSM’s showcase. A selection committee will be formed after submission of ideas review the
showcase possibilities for final arrangement and logistics, Nena stated. To date, 138 countries and seven multinational organization have expressed interests to participate1
but only 88 have officially confirmed their participation.Eighteen to 20 million people will be visiting the EXPO site, and 15,000 visitors at any one time, organizers predicted.

There will be six major pavilions namely the future pavilion for the future heritage; the Ocean pavilion for new generation of aquaria;
Water for ocean and the origin of life; the Portuguese for men and the ocean Discovery for historical process of knowledge; and Utopia pavilion for all activities in this life.

Organizers are suggesting that August 20 to 22 will be the national days for Melanesian, Micronesians, and Polynesian, respectively.
Country names, the flags and few historical images to mark geographical locations of the respective countries.

Certain products have been identified as exhibits including kava, handicrafts, processed ginger, processed coffee and cocoa, footwear and
island wears, canned food, pearls, vanilla, tuna jerky, souvenir products, peppers, coconut products, wood carvings, processed seafood, and processed and dried tropical
foods. Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Cook Islands expressing interest to participate in the EXPO 98 through the Forum Secretary General.