The Damascus International Fair is the oldest fair in the Middle East. The on-going 60th edition has attracted almost 2 million visitors. Forty-eight countries are represented. Alaa Ebrahim goes to the event and finds out what it means to the Syrian economy in the current political situation.

As the summer ends in Syria, the capital celebrates its international fair. This year it's the 60th edition, and the second one since the conflict broke out in 2011.

An extravagant opening ceremony with huge attendance is the Syrian government's way to show the country's economy is back on its feet.

SAMER KHALIL SYRIAN MINISTER OF ECONOMY "This year we have 1722 Syrian and foreign companies and a 30 percent increase in attendance. This means many companies are back to business, in industry and agriculture. The economic figure though is modest but they show great potential."

But the festivities didn't disguise the political message that Damascus wanted to send through this event.

MA'AMON HAMDAN SYRIAN MINISTER OF FINANCE "We are not working against anyone, but governments that conspired against us we don't deal with them and we will deal with companies based on our national policies."

The damage caused by the war to Syria's economy is estimated at nearly 200 billion dollars.

NABIL SAROT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER "Many companies are ready to be in Syria, but maybe we need the situation to be more stable and clear before we start rebuilding Syria."

But as the fair is taking place, tensions north of the country are a reminder that there is a war on here.

As Russian and Syrian fighters pound the last rebel stronghold in Idlib – their last stronghold – the world is trying to avert yet another civilian "bloodbath".

ALAA EBRAHIM DAMASCUS "This is the monument of the Damascene sword built to commemorate the international fair in the early seventies. Since then it became a national symbol and indicates how important the international fair is for Syrians. This year's fair comes at a difficult time—when many believe the war is coming to an end, but the toll from seven years of conflict is far from over. Alaa Ebrahim, CGTN, Damascus."