Exhibit articles include statuary.

Yesterday (May 8) the sixth international jewelry exhibition "Goldsmith-2003" was opened in the State Conference Hall, with President Robert Kocharyan on hand to cut a ribbon to open the four-day event.

About 50 companies and 20 sole-proprietors representing eight countries are taking part in the exhibit, which is organized by the Association of Gold and Diamond Jewelers of Armenia and supported by the government of the republic.

Jewels made of precious metals, unique decorations, diamonds, watches, souvenirs, handicraft items, machineries and tools, security systems were presented at the exhibition.

Press secretary of Association of Gold and Diamond Jewelers of Armenia Volodia Kirakosyan mentioned that unlike last year, this year small-scale and middle-scale businessmen have been more active. Many applications were presented, however, it was impossible to include everyone as the hall is small.

Organizers say many visitors have already attended the four-day exhibit.

"The aim is to present our businessmen. This year there has been many visitors," Kirakosyan says. "We are expecting to find new ways and possibilities of cooperation and sign contracts with trade organizations. Our task is to turn the exhibition into a free trade zone, into the place where new deals will be effected."

"Arpek" Armenian-Canadian Company takes part for the second time. Executive director Armen Hoveyan says, "this year we present a new collection, traditional enamel works with models made with new design and from white gold, pearls and genuine leather. The expectation is to present ourselves, get new orders and find new business partners."

After visiting exhibits for about 90 minutes, Kocharyan told journalists:

"We considered jewelry gold and diamonds as dominants in the economic field, and we did everything to make the legislative framework favorable for this field. Today we already see the result."

President Kocharyan spent 90 minutes looking at exhibits.

According to the President, the National Assembly plans to adopt a new law on trade in September, which suggests solutions to all problems concerning a free trade area. He emphasized the importance of formation of larger trade organizations, which will link representatives of small and medium-size businesses to foreign markets.

"In order to sell our production it is necessary to work more in other countries, and today membership to the World Trade Organization gives us a greater opportunity to work on that," he said.

The President said he had not made any purchases nor accepted any extravagant presents at the exhibit. He did accept, he said, a modest necklace made of natural gems from a student showcase.

"But there are craftsmen with whom we cooperate, and during official visits, when we exchange presents, we usually buy from our gold jewelers," the President said.