IF anything, the Trade Pasifika has brought a few surprises.
Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation chief executive Mereia Volavola says the first ever Pacific trade exhibition has been able to showcase some creative and innovative products.
Opened at the Sheraton Fiji Resort in Denarau yesterday morning, the expo had attracted over 50 exhibitors from across the region.
Ms Volavola said the main objective of the expo was to allow the exhibitors to meet and as well provide opportunities to network.
"In the Pacific Islands, some are not aware that some countries within the region were already exporting products that they were importing from bigger countries.
"We have not really looked within the Pacific itself," she added.
Exhibitors included Tonga Forests Products Limited, which will begin exporting to New Zealand soon.
Ms Volavola said some of the innovative products included the Niue vanilla which was recently exhibited at the Japan Trade Show.
She added the product was well packaged and had attracted a number of customers.
The Papua New Guinea Women in Business, Ms Volavola said had done well in the booming PNG economy producing tea sets and pottery that were unique.
However, what was encouraging was the participation of women in the exposition.
While the expo will end on Wednesday, Ms Volavola said they would look at whether they would have it as an annual or bi-annual event.