1.
GV PAN Trade fair site
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2.
SV President Ngouabi arrives
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3.
SV PAN President and others seated listening to Commerce Minister Mahoungou speaking (4 shots)
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GV Crowd watches as President cuts ribbon opening Fair
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5.
GV The People's republic of China Pavilion and flag
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CU "Orient Rouge" tractor on display
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LV PAN People outside Congolese pavilion
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CU & SV INT President looking at Congolese exhibit (2 shots)
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Initials BB/2208 TH/MR/BB/2219



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: To mark the tenth anniversary of the Congolese revolution, the first National Trade Fair was opened in Brazzaville on Saturday (August II). By the time the Revolution Anniversary is celebrated from August 13th to 15th, the Fair will be in full swing.

Organised in a more four months, 83 societies and firms have been attracted to exhibit at the showground. By far the biggest exhibitor was The People's Republic of China.

On the opening day, President Marien Ngouabi toured the showground with Commerce Minister Manou Mahoungou, who said the Fair would help promote Congolese trade opportunities.

SYNOPSIS: As part of the celebrations marking the tenth anniversary of the Congelese Revolution, the first National Trade Fair opened in Brazzaville at the weekend. It was intended that on the actual dates of the Revolution anniversary, from August the thirteenth to fifteenth, the Fair should be in full swing.

President Marien Ngouabi led a strong delegation of government and trade officials on a visit during the first day of the fair.

They heard Commerce Minister Manou Mahoungou, in an introductory speech, insist that the Fair would help the Congelese people realise trading potential -- especially where such products as timber, oil and minerals are concerned.

Then President Ngouabi officially opened the Fair. The head of state had just returned from visits to North Korea, North Vietnam and The People's Republic of China -- and it was appropriate that the Chinese had provided by far the largest display of exhibits in their pavilion. President Ngouabi on his return to Brezzaville two days earlier had described Chinese cooperation with the Congo as exceptional and perfect.

The decision to hold the Fair had been taken only four months before the opening. So arrangements had been rushed. Nevertheless, the organisers had managed to attract eighty-three private and national concerns to take part. And if it's a success, there's the expectation of bigger and better National Trade Fairs int he future.