Fairs indication of Turkey's relations with international communities, EU min

Each fair opening in Turkey serves as an indicator of the country's increasing relations with the international world, Turkey’s EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis stated Thursday.  Bagis stressed Istanbul had entered a new era in every sense, including the organization of fairs, while attending the opening ceremony of the Home Textile and Decoration Fair (Home & Tex) at CNR EXPO center in Istanbul. Noting that the increase in the country's export and import rates showed its diplomatic relations were improving, Bagis added they were honored by Turkey’s peaceful progress, unified economic growth, democratization and increasing transparency. Referring to the recently opened Marmaray railway project, Bagis stated that heads of state in Finland, Sweden and Poland had congratulated Turkey on its new transportation technology during his recent visit to those countries alongside Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 300 companies from several countries attended Home & Tex. The fair with the theme "aesthetics and elegance in house, hotel, boat and all living areas," will be open to visitors until November 17.