ISTANBUL, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese expo of ceramic, bathroom and kitchen items kicked off in Istanbul on Tuesday.

The expo is seen as part of the efforts to promote economic and trade exchanges and cooperation between China and Turkey.

The expo coincides with Istanbul Ceramic, Bathroom and Kitchen Fair, the second largest of its kind in the world, which brings together the leading players in the ceramic, bathroom and kitchen industries for five days untill March 3.

A total of 42 Chinese firms attend the expo, covering an area of nearly 1,000 square meters at Istanbul's CNR Expo.

The Chinese firms are displaying a wide range of products including ceramic machinery, raw materials and accessories, ceramic products, sanitary ware products and accessories, sauna and swimming pool equipment, shower cabin systems and kitchen furniture.

Chinese Consul General in Istanbul Cui Wei and Wu Zhengping, the director general of Trade Development Bureau of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the organizer of the Chinese expo, made a tour of the Chinese exhibition area.