China and Cambodia are deepening cooperation under the "Diamond Hexagon" framework, with a focus on agriculture. Our reporter Yang Jinghao meets a Chinese entrepreneur who's stepping up her investment in the Southeast Asian nation at the invitation of the country's top leader.

In November 2024, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet shared on social media his meeting with a Chinese entrepreneur at a high-level event in Kunming, southwest China. So who is she?

YANG JINGHAO Zhengzhou, Henan Province "Today, I'm going to meet this entrepreneur."

She is Chen Xuemei – widely known as China's "Queen of Fruits."

From humble beginnings as a street vendor, she founded her own brand – Chen's Sun, in 1992 in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province.

CHEN XUEMEI Chairman, Chen's Sun Group "We currently source fruits from over 30 countries."

Here there are sugar plums from Chile, apples from New Zealand, pears from South Africa, and avocados from Mexico.

YANG JINGHAO Zhengzhou, Henan Province "For fruit lovers like me, this is paradise, where each bite is a taste of different country."

But the fruits from one country mean a lot more to Chen.

CHEN XUEMEI Chairman, Chen's Sun Group "These longans come from Cambodia. We've developed strong ties with the country over the years, importing 2,000 to 3,000 tons annually. The outlook is even more promising."

In late 2022, Cambodia officially began exporting fresh longans to China. The Chinese market quickly became the fruit's main destination.

Chen: "They are very fresh."

Reporter: "Yes. And the flesh is thick and sweet."

We reached out to fruit farmers in Cambodia to learn more about their cooperation with the Chinese firm.

SOK RAN Fruit Farmer in Cambodia "We have worked with Chen's Sun for three years, exporting nearly 100 tons every season. Thanks to Chinese companies like Chen's Sun, our income has increased, and we can expand plantations with confidence. We welcome more Chinese companies to invest in Cambodian agriculture."

So, what did the Prime Minister say during their half-hour conversation?

CHEN XUEMEI Chairman, Chen's Sun Group "During our discussion, I briefed him on our future plans in Cambodia. He was very pleased to hear this and noted that Cambodia urgently needs growth in sectors like agricultural processing and logistics."

Chen's company is now investing in a full fruit industry chain in Cambodia. The project includes large durian plantations and an industrial park, both expected to begin operations soon.

CHEN XUEMEI Chairman, Chen's Sun Group "The communication with different departments has been smooth. Cambodian officials are young, globally minded and clear about the country's developmental goals. So, they place great importance on our investment and have assured us of strong support."

Chen believes that with joint efforts from both sides, more high-quality agricultural products from Cambodia will not only make their way into China, but also reach international markets. YJH, CGTN, Zhengzhou, Henan Province.