Minister of Economy and Regional Development Nebojsa Ciric said at the opening of the 50th international exhibition of commercial vehicles "Beotruck" that the fact that this event is being held in very difficult economic conditions shows that local manufacturers of trucks and buses have a perspective.

Ciric said that the exhibition, which will be held at the Belgrade fairgrounds until 31 March, brought together 155 exhibitors from 20 countries, adding that it is the largest fair of its kind in this part of Europe.

The exhibitors are the world renowned producers as well as local ones, such as Fap from Priboj, Neobus from Novi Sad, Zastava Trucks and others.

The Minister pointed out that due to economic crisis, commercial vehicle fairs are being cancelled in many countries, and expressed satisfaction with the fact that Serbia has managed to organise "Beotruck".

Ciric underlined that this year too the Serbian government has provided subsidies for the producers of buses, trucks and construction machinery in order to preserve this industry and its jobs.

He voiced hope that new business contacts will be made at the fair and new deals struck.

He said that the most popular vehicle at this year’s fair is Mercedes-Benz new truck "Actros", which was awarded The Best Truck of 2012 at the International specialised fair "Trailer 2011" in Kortrijk in Belgium.

“Beotruck” fair will exhibit trucks, buses, vans, trailers, semitrailers, special upgrades and accessories.