The nuclear export industry has been designated as a strategically important national goal, and Chinese nuclear technologies are being promoted by Chinese leaders during their visits abroad.

President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang sent congratulations last week to nuclear companies to mark the country's 60th anniversary in the field.

They pledged that China would aim for the comprehensive development of nuclear technology and seek global markets, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

China has the world's largest nuclear building program and hopes to leverage its experience into a nuclear export industry, experts said.

CNNC and CGN are both investing in the United Kingdom's Hinkley Point C, a project that is being led by France's EDF Energy, and they are planning further involvement in the UK nuclear sector.

China has also signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa as well as Romania and Kazakhstan to explore the nuclear market.

Last year, CNNC signed a $2 billion contract with Argentina to build a third Candu reactor at the Atucha plant.