JOHANNESBURG - A total of 550 Chinese companies are currently showcasing their products in Johannesburg to get business deals with buyers from Southern Africa.

They are taking part in the China Homelife and China Machinex South Africa 2017 which started on Thursday and will end on Saturday.

Binui Pilai, chief operating officer of the exhibition told Xinhua, "We are expecting 8,000 visitors to the show this year and business of about $500 million. We expect trade deals and leads. We are doing this show as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative which seeks to increase trade with the emerging markets," said Pillai.

Pillai said the show presents companies from the region to have direct access to the Chinese manufacturers who produce high quality goods.

"We are targeting Southern Africa to link them with the Chinese manufacturers of high quality products. They do not have to go through a trader. The companies exhibiting here go through a quality control process of a high turnover per a year and should show experience of doing business overseas," he added.

Raymond Kobe, CEO of Kobe Holdings told Xinhua that he is looking for potential funders and those who want to expand business. He said, "I am here to network with the hope to get potential customers we can deal with in future. I am impressed with the quality of goods I have seen."

Last year, there were 5,800 visitors to the China Homelife and China Machinex South Africa with trade of $320 million.