ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- The second China-Ethiopia Industrial Capacity Cooperation Exposition was opened here on Tuesday in a bid to promote cooperation between the two countries in the area.

The expo, which is being held on Oct. 22-25, has brought together about 44 Chinese companies from 15 provinces of China covering different sectors, including construction machinery, energy equipment, agricultural product processing plants, and automobiles.

"The industrial capacity cooperation exposition is a platform for governments and businesses and trade circles between China and Ethiopia to work hand in hand, promote trade and investment to achieve mutual benefits," said Teka Gebreyesus, Ethiopia's state minister of trade and industry.

"During the expo, both China and Ethiopia will fully exchange information and realize match-making of industrial capacity cooperation projects through China-Africa Energy Cooperation Forum, match-making meetings and other concurrent events," he added.

Chinese Charge d'Affaires in Ethiopia Xia Tian noted that the expo would open the door wider for business communities, creating more business opportunities, and enhancing cooperation among public and private sectors.

"The launching of the 2019 China-Ethiopia Industrial Capacity Cooperation Exposition is a case in point, demonstrating our steadfast commitment to further strengthening bilateral economic ties," Xia said, adding that this exposition "displays complementary advantages of our two countries."

Melaku Ezezew, president of Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association, said that this year's expo would further strengthen cooperation between China and Ethiopia in the area by building on achievements made in last year's expo.