President Ashraf Ghani's economic advisor Hazarat Omar Zakhelwal on Tuesday visited the Afghan-Turk Expo and said the event, being held at the Mumtaz Mahal Wedding Hall, marked a step forward in both countries commitment to enhancing bilateral economic ties.

He also called on Afghan and Turkish investors to help build on Afghanistan's economic foundation through investments.

"There is no doubt that our economy is dependant [on investors] and it hasn't developed well in the wake of its dependency on foreign financial assistance. When we hope for a sustainable economy, then we mean we need the private sector, foreign and domestic, to invest in Afghanistan," he said.

Meanwhile, officials at Afghan industrialist unions, along with artisans, have called for joint investments in the two countries.

Construction materials, groceries, cosmetics, handicrafts, carpets and new technology for generating electricity were among the main products being displayed at at least 60 stalls in the exhibition center.

Zkhelwal said: "The main objectives of today's expo is to expand trade and commerce ties between Afghans and the Turks and we want them to play an effective role in our economic growth. We also want to attain Afghan investors' attraction to invest in Turkey," head of Afghanistan industrialists union Sami Yawoz said.

In addition, officials at Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries ACCI have announced that the rehabilitation of Azure Rout is crucial in developing the trade and commercial activities between Afghanistan and Turkey.

"We expect government to take essential steps in rehabilitating the Azure Rout which is quite productive. Currently our trade with Turkey is conducted via Iran and our trade and transit sectors have to cope with numerous issues," said deputy chairman of ACCI Khan Jan Alokozai on Tuesday.

Up to 60 Afghan and Turkish companies have displayed their products in at least 60 stalls in 5th Afghan-Turk Expo in Kabul. The expo will remain open for three days to visitors.