PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) opened a trade fair Monday in a bid to boost the country's economic ties with the outside world.

DPRK Vice Foreign Trade Minister O Ryong Chol said the 15th Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair sought to step up economic and commercial cooperation with other countries and regions based on the principles of friendship, equality, mutual respect and reciprocity.

More than 270 companies from 16 countries and regions are participating in the event.

Machine tools, electric and electronic appliances, vehicles, petrochemical goods, medicines and foodstuffs are among the products at the fair, which will last until Thursday.