In what could be her final overseas trip in her nine-year presidency, President Arroyo will leave Tuesday for a two-day trip to Shanghai, China to attend a global trade and cultural extravaganza.

The President is expected to preside over the opening of the Philippine Day this Wednesday at the ongoing World Expo, showcasing the country’s rich culture and other trade treasures.

She will also highlight the country’s strong relations with China during the 35th anniversary rites of the Philippine-China relations during her visit to Shanghai, according to Palace officials.

Mrs. Arroyo, accompanied by a small delegation, is scheduled to depart Manila at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday for a four-hour direct flight to Shanghai. Prior to her departure, she is tentatively set to meet with former US Vice President Al Gore at the sidelines of a leadership forum at the SMX Convention Center.

Her official duties start on Wednesday when she attends the Philippine Day commemorative rites at the central hall of the Expo Center.

The World Expo 2010, with the theme “Better City, Better Life,” is considered the largest world exhibition with 246 countries and foreign organizations participating. The event seeks to promote the economic prosperity, diverse cultures, and innovation and technology of the participating world nations.

Mrs. Arroyo is scheduled to tour the China Pavilion followed by the Philippine Pavilion that seeks to promote the country as a tourism and trade destination.

The Philippine pavilion reportedly features three themes associated with local cities, including live performances, a display of musical instruments, and a digital presentation showing tourism destinations, environmental initiatives, compliance with millennium development goals, and competitiveness in the field of business process outsourcing.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar said President Arroyo has already exchanged letters with Chinese President Hu Jintao prior to her visit.

“So it’s a fairly light schedule, I think the point of the trip is really for the President to attend the Shanghai exposition and so that the Philippine supports and recognize the importance of this event to the plans of China,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Trade Secreatry Jesli Lapus, Press Secretary Cris Icban Jr., and some Filipino businessmen are likely to join the President in her visit to China. Mrs. Arroyo is expected to leave Shanghai Wednesday night and be back in Manila early Thursday morning.