CAIRO, Dec. 1 -- Chinese corporations took part in a large information and communications technology (ICT) exhibition starting from Sunday in Cairo with the participation of around 500 international and local companies.

Inaugurated by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the 23rd Information and Communications Technology Exhibition and Conference, known as Cairo ICT 2019, is held under the theme of "the Digital Experience," amid growing Egyptian tendency for digital transformation through cooperation with ICT firms across the world.

Among the participating Chinese corporations is Jiangsu Automation Research Institute (JARI), which is specialized in the production of electronic information systems and intelligent equipment.

JARI, an affiliate of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, joins Cairo ICT 2019 with a number of robots of different sizes.

Fan Jun, general manager of JARI's international business, said that the institute's robots can be used for human research, disaster rescue and firefighting.

"We hope that through cooperation with Egyptian relevant departments, we can help promote the automation industry level in Egypt," Fan told Xinhua, expressing expectation for future deals after positive negotiations with Egyptian partners.

The Chinese manager pointed out that JARI's participation in the exhibition in Cairo is part of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which seeks common development via win-win partnerships among BRI states including Egypt.

Held in Egypt International Exhibition Center, the four-day event is also joined by several Egyptian ministries including those of communications and information technology, defense, interior and planning, and the Central Bank of Egypt.

The exhibition's agenda includes several conferences on ICT solutions, innovation and financial inclusion.