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ndonesia aims to portray its identity and achievements to the world through its participation in the upcoming World Expo Shanghai China (WESC) 2010.

Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said Friday that Indonesia would take advantage of its achievements in various sectors such as the economy and its democracy, as well as its political and institutional stability during the last decade.

"Indonesia now is a democratic country that is growing fast with social, political and economic developments, which are relatively stable," Mari said at the announcement of Indonesia's participation.

Mari also announced a cooperation between the expo organizer with flag carrier Garuda Indonesia as the expo's official airline for both Indonesian delegates and the public.

Garuda is the only Indonesian airline linking Shanghai with Jakarta.

Named "Better City, Better Life", the World Expo will be held from May 1 to Oct. 31. It is expected that 190 countries and 50 organizations will participate in the expo with an estimated 100 million visitors.

Mari said Indonesia had achieved much since its reform, although challenges existed.

"But with cooperation and hard work, I am optimistic that Indonesia will become a great, modern country that will stand on the same level as developed countries," she said.

"The presence of the Indonesia pavilion in the expo is proof of the effort to position the country on the world map and enhance Indonesia's image as a country possessing rich cultural, natural and human resources and a rich civilization."

Indonesia has been rocked by a series of terror attacks and natural disasters in the past few years.

The minister, who also chairs the Indonesian participation committee, said participating at the expo was different to taking part in a trade exhibition.

"The World Expo is our window to showcase the country's image. By promoting Indonesia in all aspects, hopefully foreign investors will be attracted to invest in Indonesia," she said, adding a target to produce a multiplying effect in tourism, trade and investment after six months of promotion.

The World Expo is considered the third largest international event after the Olympics and the World Cup, making it a strategic opportunity to promote Indonesia.

The purpose of the World Expo has been evolving, starting with promoting industrialization (1851-1938), cross cultures (1939-1991) and nation branding (from 1992).

Mari said Indonesia's participation in the expo was a chance to introduce Indonesia as a nation with a dynamic cultural heritage and vision.

One of the most interesting things about the World Expo is the creativity of participating countries in presenting their national identity at their pavilions, Mari said.

"At Pavilion Indonesia, every single aspect of the display will reflect our true character as a nation," she added.

"Indonesia is a diverse, open nation living in harmony. It has modern concepts and keeps moving forward."

Indonesia's participation in the expo also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between China and Indonesia, an important symbol promoting stronger relationships between both countries.

China and Indonesia signed a strategic partnership in 2005 at the Jakarta opening, as among other aspects, the way to improve economic relations.