Present there were Vice-Premier Ri Ryong Nam, Kim Yong Jae, minister of External Economic Relations, and officials in the field of economy and trade, delegations from different countries and regions, foreign diplomatic envoys and their embassy officials here.

Pak Ung Sik, director of the Korean International Exhibition Corporation, said in an opening address that over the last 20 years the fair has developed into a dignified international economic gathering for expanding the friendship and many-sided exchange between the DPRK and other countries and promoting the regional development.

He expressed belief that the current fair would be a good occasion in promoting the friendship and cooperation among countries and bringing about common economic development and prosperity.

O Ryong Chol, vice-minister of External Economic Relations, said in his congratulatory speech that the DPRK would expand the economic relations with various countries and regions and steadily boost bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fields of the economy and trade on the principle of equality and mutual benefit.

The participants went round products presented to the fair by companies of various countries and regions, including the DPRK, Belarus, China, Iran, Italy, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cuba and Taipei of China.

The fair will run through May 25.