Pyongyang, August 23 (KCNA) -- The 1st Rason International Trade Fair, which opened on Monday, has drawn many visitors.

An estimated 110 companies of China, Russia, Italy, the United States, Australia, Taiwan and the DPRK exhibit machines, electric and electronic goods, vehicles and other products.

The exhibits offer a glimpse of the bright prospect of international economic cooperation and trade through Rason.

During the exhibition, local and foreign businessmen have contacts and dialogue with officials concerned. They are greatly interested in the DPRK's investment policy, foreigners' investment form and method, legitimate rights and interests of investors and businesses, and conditions of business activities.

A seminar on investment in Rason was held on Tuesday. The participants were briefed on the Korean people's achievements in the effort for the building of a thriving nation, law on the Rason Economic and Trade Zone and business launch and management regulations treating foreigners preferentially.

Foreign investors are of the view that the prospect of the zone's development is very optimistic as it links the DPRK, China and Russia with each other with the River Tuman in-between and it can be one of the world's trade and investment hubs linking Northeast Asia, Europe and North America through the East Sea of Korea.

Ri Ju Il, director of the Economic Cooperation Department of the Rason City People's Committee, told KCNA that solid institutional and legal foundations have already been laid for the development of the zone.

He said the economic and tourist infrastructure construction has made headway in the zone, providing conditions favorable for foreign businesses' investment, production and trade.

"We will invigorate many-sided contacts and transactions with foreign businesses to achieve the development and prosperity of the Rason Economic and Trade Zone," Ri added.