Hanover trade fair opens as Germany's Merkel advocates free trade

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (C) and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (2nd R) pose for photos prior to the opening ceremony of Hanover Fair 2018 in Hanover, Germany, April 22, 2018. Hanover Fair, the world's leading industrial trade show, opened on Sunday, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed the importance of free trade. More than 5,000 exhibitors from 75 countries and regions are expected to participate in, and 60 percent of the exhibitors are from outside Germany. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)