The Minister of Tourism, Frank Jorge Elias, traveled to Moscow to participate in the travel show, MITT 96, that was held from 27 to 30 March. Frank Jorge Elías becomes the first Dominican government official to be invited to visit by the Russia government. He felt it was an opportunity to strengthen the trade with the Russians. Frank Jorge said he would meet with the Russian Minister of Tourism and would invite him to visit the Dominican Republic. It was said that more than 2,000 companies participated in the event that brought together over 80 countries.