The 11th Russian Industrial Exhibition opened here on Monday with the participation of 50 Russian industrial companies working in various fields. Minister of Industry and Trade Hatem Halawani, who inaugurated the fair, said that organizing the event in Jordan over the past decade is a testament to the strong economic and trade ties between the two countries. Jordan, he added, is interested to attract Russian investments in energy, thanks for the Russian expertise in this field. Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) President Nael Kabariti said that the two countries\' private sectors need to cement cooperation, adding that since its launch in 2002, the annual event has become one of the key Russian exhibitions in the region thanks for the volume of participation. Russian Ambassador to Jordan Alexander Kalugin said the exhibition is important, because it serves as a platform for businessmen and investors from both countries to explore joint investments. Russia, he said, is keen to enhance its economic presence in the region, adding that such an exhibition helps it achieve this goal.