Pyongyang, October 17 (KCN) -- The 7th Pyongyang Autumn International Trade Fair opened with due ceremony at the Three-Revolution Exhibition Monday.

Present there were Kang Sok Ju, vice-premier of the Cabinet, Ri Ryong Nam, minister of Foreign Trade, Pak Pyong Jong, first vice-chairman of the Pyongyang City People's Committee, Ri Hak Gwon, director of the DPRK Chamber of Commerce, officials in the field of foreign trade, delegations of different countries and regions and diplomatic envoys of various countries and staff members of their embassies here.

Kim Mun Jong, director of the Korean International Exhibition Corporation, made an opening address to be followed by a congratulatory speech by O Ryong Chol, vice-minister of Foreign Trade.

The speakers said that the fair marks an important occasion in expanding economic and trade relations among countries and achieving joint economic development as required by the new century.

The DPRK will, in the future, too develop the relations of multifaceted cooperation with other countries on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, they noted.

Then, the participants looked round exhibits presented by companies of various countries and regions including the DPRK, China, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, France and Taipei of China.

The fair will last till Oct. 20.