Al-Assad inaugurates new premises for the 5th Damascus International Fair

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad opened on Wednesday evening the 50th Damascus International Fair "the Golden Jubilee" on the new fair grounds.

Then, he visited the Businessmen center at the fair and listened to a briefing on the new fair and its sections. Al-Assad gave comments on the need for domestic industries achieving international standards and specifications, and to face all difficulties facing them.

Syria's Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Ghassan Rifaee talked about the effective role of the fair which, this year, constitutes a distinguished element in demonstrating the country's agricultural, industrial, trade and services development.

He said the fair and annual marketing festivals constitute a socio-economic manifestation highlighting the civilized aspect of the country's national economy, attracting investments and contacts among nations and achieving genuine economic and trade development.

Syria, Rifaee went on to say, has in recent years attained many achievements towards a more open economy and has been ceaselessly working to develop and modernize the management and administration. "Though the road is still long and the challenges we are facing are great, we are fully determined to continue the development march and to achieve the cherished objectives," he concluded.

Director-General Imad al-Zou'bi made a speech welcoming the President and the audience. He described this modern economic edifice as distinguished and unrivalled in the Mideast region area-wide and as regards potentials and quality of services offered.