Rason, August 22 (KCNA) -- The First Rason International Trade Fair Monday opened with due ceremony in Rason, an economic trade zone in the northeastern part of Korea adjacent to China and Russia.

Its participants laid bouquets before the portraits of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il in the exhibition hall before paying tribute to them.

Present at the ceremony were Jo Jong Ho, chairman of the Rason City People's Committee who is chairman of the organizing committee of the fair, officials concerned, officials of the units in the city which presented commodities to the fair, scientists and technicians, representatives of different countries and regions, foreigners who presented commodities to the fair and foreign businessmen active in the Rason economic and trade zone and the consul generals of China and Russia in Chongjin.

An opening address and a congratulatory speech were made there.

The speakers referred to the fact that the fair was opened thanks to the joint efforts of the governments, economic organs, trading companies and personages of different countries.

Noting that the fair would provide the participants with opportunities to conduct multi-faceted commercial and trade activities and scientific and technological exchanges, they expressed hope that they would achieve good successes through wide-ranging contacts.

At the end of the ceremony the participants looked round electrical and electronic products, light industry goods, foodstuff, medicaments, vehicles and other commodities presented by more than 110 units of the DPRK, China, Russia, Australia, Italy, the U.S. and Taipei of China.

A reception was given on the same day in connection with the inauguration of the fair.