One of Eastern Europe's most prestigious annual trade exhibitions, the Zagreb International Fair, opened in Yugoslavia on Friday (12 September).

Fifty-five nations, including many from the Third World, are taking part in the Fair, exhibiting more than three-hundred-thousand items, varying from helicopters to photographic goods, earth movers to textiles and wood carvings.

Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito was due to open the Fair, but was unable to attend. The 83-year-old President has been in ill-health for some months. Instead, he was represented by the Prime Minister, Mr. Dzemal Bijedic.

Another notable absentee from this year's fair is china, who declined to attend. The Chinese pavilion in the exhibition ground was occupied for the first time as recently as 1971.

One of Yugoslavia's Warsaw Pact allies, Poland, is presenting one of this year's largest displays, including the latest version of the improved MIL Mi2 helicopter. West Germany -- one of Yugoslavia's main trading partners -- is also exhibiting a large number of capital goods.

To coincide with the International Fair, a round-table conference on financial co-operation between developing nations is also being held in Zagreb. The large number of Asian and African stands at the Fair reflects the Third World's need to capture more the western commodity market .... and Yugoslavia's desire to foster wider trade relations with developing countries.