"Chinese companies have a significant presence at this year's exhibition, accounting for about 30 percent of exhibitors," said Tara Benn, chief executive officer of the South African Paint Manufacturing Association.

JOHANNESBURG, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese companies have emerged as a prominent presence at the Coatings For Africa exhibition, held from Wednesday to Friday in Johannesburg, presenting innovative products while deepening engagement with Africa's growing coatings and construction industries.

Hosted in association with the South African Paint Manufacturing Association (SAPMA), the exhibition, held every two years, is regarded as the continent's largest dedicated coatings industry event, bringing together manufacturers, raw material suppliers, distributors and industry experts to showcase new products and discuss market trends.

Chinese firms occupied a significant share of this year's three-day exhibition at the Sandton Convention Center, displaying products ranging from industrial and decorative coatings to pigments, additives, resins, manufacturing equipment and environmentally friendly solutions.

"Chinese companies have a significant presence at this year's exhibition, accounting for about 30 percent of exhibitors," said Tara Benn, chief executive officer of SAPMA.

It reflects the important role Chinese companies play in supplying raw materials and other inputs to South Africa's coatings industry, with many local manufacturers already importing and using their products, she added.

Noting that face-to-face engagement remains valuable, Benn said: "Events like this provide manufacturers with a platform to network, build relationships, and engage directly with suppliers."

For many Chinese exhibitors, Africa remains a promising market, driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion and increasing demand for sustainable construction materials.

At the booth of Shandong Shengshi Guohua New Material Co., Ltd., titanium dioxide pigments and other raw materials used in paints, coatings, plastics and inks were on display.

Wang Dianbin, the company's foreign trade manager, said the exhibition had attracted strong interest from African customers. "We've had a steady stream of visitors to our stand since the exhibition opened, which shows the growing demand in Africa," he said.

"We are optimistic about the African market and hope to establish stable, long-term cooperation with customers here," Wang added.

For Lu Jianwen of Colomax New Materials (Huzhou) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of tinting systems, color dispensers and intelligent coating equipment from China's Zhejiang Province, South Africa remains a key market and serves as a gateway to the rest of the continent.

"We've met many potential partners during the exhibition and had productive discussions. That gives us confidence about future cooperation in Africa," Lu said.

Throughout the exhibition, Chinese booths drew a steady flow of visitors exploring new products and business opportunities. Local industry participants said Chinese suppliers have become increasingly important to the sector by offering competitive products tailored to market needs.

Dakarayi Mukwakwami, managing director of Johannesburg-based GDM Coatings, said Chinese suppliers have made a significant contribution to the development of Africa's coatings industry.

"They continue to bring new technologies and products that help companies improve efficiency and respond to changing market demands," Mukwakwami said.