Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – October 2, 1996

For the opening ceremony of the 22nd [Tehran International Trade and Industry Exhibition], we went from home to the international exhibition site. We visited the mines and metals booths, two industrial halls, the Italian hall, and some of the outdoor booths. The quantity and quality of domestic industries has grown significantly and is very interesting and magnificent. 2500 domestic companies and 1500 foreign companies have participated. The President of Sierra Leone also came. At the ceremony, we heard the report of [Mr. Ali Saidlou], the head of the exhibition, and [Mr. Yahya Al-Ishaq], the Minister of Commerce. I also gave an extended speech on the objectives of the exhibition and the manifestations of Iran's progress.

I went to the office. I did the work until the evening. In the evening [Mr. Alec Irwin], the Minister of Trade of South Africa came. Collaborations were discussed; They have come with forty other people for the exhibition. [Mr. Chaudhary Abdul Sattar], Minister of Industries of Pakistan came. It was a ceremonial memorandum. At the exhibition, on the way, I had a short talk with the envoys of Sudan and Uganda who have come to continue the peace talks; I told them not to return before completing the negotiations. The Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution had a meeting at night. We removed some of the weeks and days that have ceremonies.