The 26th International Trade Fair     More than 74 countries from 5 continents participated in the 26th Tehran “2000” International Trade Fair. Twenty one countries from Asia, ten countries from Africa, twenty five countries from Europe, five countries from the American continent and Australia were present at the fair. The participation of these countries indicates their interest to further develop and expand their economic and political relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. 1,200 foreign companies had occupied a covered area of 35,000 square meters and an open area of 4,000 square meters at the trade fair. 26 official foreign delegations visited the trade fair during its holding and had negotiations for contracts with Iranian companies. The adoption of the policy to boost exports during the tenure of the third five-year development plan instigated the Iranian producers and exporters to participate and expose their export potentialities at the trade fair. 1,600 Iranian companies were present at the trade fair and exhibited their industrial and exportable products. Iran, having twenty thousand exportable items of different varieties in its non-oil export basket, can convert itself into one of the important economic axis in the region during the next five years.   During the five-month period from 21 March 2000 to 21 August 2000, a total amount of 6.5 million tons of non-oil goods have been exported from the country, indicating a rise of 1.5 percent in weight and 7.5 percent in value. This increase, in a descending order, has been in the fields of electric and electronic industry, weaving and clothing industry, cellulose and chemical industry, non-metal minerals, food, medical and hygienic products. The trade fair created a suitable atmosphere for cooperation and negotiations between the participating domestic and foreign companies. With the trend to gear up the industrial development of the country, it is hoped that the trade fair would set the grounds for transfer of foreign investments and advanced technology into the country. The slogan of Tehran 2000 trade fair “Competition and Technology” is an indication to the determination of Iran to develop the technical capabilities of the country and to compete more actively in the world markets. The virgin investment opportunities in the country and its solid economic infrastructure has brought about a suitable atmosphere for those interested in expanding relations with Iran to benefit from their investments and at the minimum possible risk. Presence in Iranian international trade fair has created an opportunity to discover the domestic Iranian market and identify the suitable areas for investment in the country.