The 2010 Taipei International Flora exposition will transform Taiwan's capital into a city of gardens and help showcase its achievements to the world, Mayor Hau Lung-bin said Sunday. The event, the most important internationally recognized expo ever to take place in the country, will allow Taiwan to share with the world its exploits in biotechnology, horticulture and tourism, Hau said during a ceremony marking the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and Rotary International Taiwan. Vice President Vincent Siew, who was also present at the ceremony, echoed Hau's vision, describing the expo as an event that will show the world the country's soft power and commitment to green technology. The MOU with Rotary International was patterned after cooperation between the Rotary Club and the city when Taipei hosted the 2009 Summer Deaflympics. Hau said the city was better able to promote itself during the Deaflympics, held in September 2009, because of the help of more than 5,500 Rotary Club members, who offered translating, catering and tour guide services. Eva Hsiao, a three-year member of Rotary International District 3520, said she is looking forward to helping bring about a qualitative change in Taipei after visiting the Shanghai World Expo last month. 'Shanghai has become such a giant magnet, ' she said. 'I believe we can achieve that as well if we work together.' Forty-five countries have already registered for the Flora Expo, which is to be held from November 6, 2010 to April 25, 2011. The organizers said they expect the six-month event to draw as many as 6 million visitors. 