KATHMANDU -- Chinese businessmen participating in the China-South Asia Expo here in the Nepali capital Kathmandu are eager to expand their markets in Nepal, with many set to open outlets here to sell their products.

The four-day event, which kicked off last Thursday, is the first overseas tour of the expo, and more than 100 Chinese companies, mostly from Southwest China's Yunnan province, have been showcasing their goods and services here.

One of the Chinese companies willing to expand their markets is China Kunming Beilite Technology Co Ltd, which has been manufacturing gates to be operated by using remote controls.

Xiu Feng Chen, general manager of the company, told Xinhua that they were examining possible demand for their electric chain gates in Nepal and based on the demand, they would decide whether to open an outlet in the country. The company has priced the electric chain gate at $300 per meter.

According to the company, the chain gate can be opened or closed with a remote control from as far as 30 meters. Schools, offices and hospitals are among their expected customers.

There is the presence of seven companies from Northeast China's Jilin province at the expo. One of the companies is Jilin Princes Network Technology Co Ltd, which has its online shopping portal.

According to Zhang Jingbiao, manager of the company, they are seeking the presence of Nepali products in their online portal so that Nepali products could be sold in China through the portal.

"We are offering a special space for Nepali products for those booking the space," she said.

Yunnan Commercial Representative Office in Kathmandu has said that the expo would open the door for more economic cooperation between China and South Asia under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

Shawn He, representative of the office, told Xinhua last Thursday, "The Yunnan based companies have shown interest to increase economic and business engagement with South Asian and Southeast Asian countries."

China-South Asia Expo had been organized in Yunnan since 2003 and it is the first time that it is being organized outside China, according to organizers.

The event is being organized by China-South Asia Expo Secretariat and co-organized by Yunnan International Exposition Affairs Bureau and Nepal-China Executives Council.