KABUL - A three-day Silk Road Exhibition, involving concerts, circuses and agricultural products, ended in the central province of Bamyan late on Saturday night. More than 11,000 people participated in the event. Aimed at promoting tourism in the province, the exhibition was jointly funded by the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) and the ecotourism organization set up by New Zealand-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).

On day one, local singers gave concerts and artistes as well as sportspeople exhibited their skills. The second day was marked by traditional sports at the Band-i-Amir National Park.

A '""Buzkashi competition and concerts given by local singers were the highlight of the concluding day. Famous Hazara singers included Safdar Tukali, Ali Daryab and Hamid Sakhi Zada.

"We had a great time these three days and really enjoyed ourselves," said Mohammad Nabi, a participant. There were about 20 stalls, displaying different agricultural products and dairy products, such as butter oil, cheese and milk.

A number of women displayed their handicrafts, such as embroidered clothes, handmade vests, handkerchiefs, bags, mufflers, carpets, gloves and woolen socks.

Jamila, who came from the Asgharat village of Punjab district, said she had earned 9,000 afghanis ($186) by selling 13 mufflers. Imam Ali, a stall owner, made 40,000afs by selling burger, tea and kebab.

According to a survey conducted by the regional office of ACCI, the private sector earned $50,000 during the three days, Mohammad Akbar Mohammadi, acting director of ACCI in Bamyan, said.

The main idea behind arranging the event was to promote tourism in the province and enable visitors to purchase local handicrafts, said Mohammad Javed an official of the ecotourism organization.