PYONGYANG, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday held the 11th Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair in Pyongyang in a move to boost the country's economic ties with the outside world.

    DPRK Vice Foreign Trade Minister Kim Dong Min said the fair seeks to boost economic and commercial cooperation with other countries and areas based on the principles of friendship, equality, mutual respect and reciprocity.

    Over 220 companies from 17 European and Asian countries and areas, including China, Russia, Britain, Germany, Indonesia, Vietnam, China's Taipei and host nation the DPRK are participating in the exhibition.

    Machine tools, electric and electronic appliances, vehicles, petrochemical goods, medicines and foodstuffs are on display at the fair, which is to last till Thursday.

    More than half of the exhibitors are from China, including famous companies like Haier, Changhong and TCL.