Chinese companies got to know more about the needs of Africa and strengthen ties for future cooperation at the China-Africa Equipment Manufacturing Industry Exhibition in Johannesburg.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, South Africa President Jacob Zuma, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the exhibition on Friday.

More than 30 Chinese companies, including energy firms and telecommunication companies, participated in the exhibition.

China National Nuclear Cooperation is displaying HPR1000, China's third-generation pressurized-water nuclear technology that has independent intellectual property right.

"Our booth attracted many high-level officials, entrepreneurs and scholars. They asked for information and we also saw a lot of academic interest," said Yang Chaodong, president of China Zhongyuan Engineering Corp, a subsidiary of CNNC.

He said the company knew more about the needs of both African countries and people through the exhibition, which could be useful for the company’s future development in Africa.

"Some countries have shown their interest in future cooperation with us and we have got each other’s contacts for more communication in the future,"Yang said.

He said CNNC attaches great importance to Africa market. "Africa has entered a critical period in its development. Nuclear power, as a clean energy, will play a bigger role," he added.

Also in the exhibition is Startimes, a leading digital TV operator in China. Pang Xinxing, chairman of the company, said this exhibition offers an excellent opportunity for African countries to know the strength of Chinese companies.

"Startimes expects great opportunities in the continent and we are making all effort to promote the development of digital television in the continent," he said.

"We showed to African governments our desire to help the continent popularize digital television."We would like to enable every African family to afford, have access to, watch and enjoy good digital TV," he added.