Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen says China and ASEAN can expect an annual growth of more than 10 percent in bilateral trade. He also says ASEAN nations benefit more in their trade with China. He made the remarks in an interview with CGTN's Wu Guoxiu. Hun Sen was attending the China-ASEAN expo in south China's Guangxi, for the 11th time.

WU GUOXIU NANNING "Mr. Prime Minister, this expo is now in its 15th year. You've attended it more than any other ASEAN leader, 11 times now. Why do you attach such importance to this expo? How does it benefit Cambodia to participate so actively?"

HUN SEN CAMBODIAN PRIME MINISTER "First, we're coordinating the relationship between ASEAN nations and China. Second, I participate in this event, mainly because of the overall strategic partnership between Cambodia and China. Many Chinese are investing in Cambodia. Last year, Chinese people made 1.3 million trips to Cambodia. This year, the number is expected to reach 2 million. This has resulted from the cooperation of our leaders. Thirdly, the location of the event has geographical significance for China ASEAN cooperation. The expo is benefiting both ASEAN nations and China. Cambodia has benefited from it also."

WU GUOXIU NANNING "Looking ahead, how would you characterize future trade potential between China and ASEAN nations?"

HUN SEN CAMBODIAN PRIME MINISTER "According to our estimates, the China and ASEAN trade volume increases no less than 10 percent every year, so we could expect that this year or next year. My estimate is between 10 to 25 percent every year. But we must see, ASEAN is benefiting more than China does, because many ASEAN products are exported to China, but China has fewer exports to ASEAN nations. I think China and ASEAN should boost cooperation, put aside differences, focus on economy, science and technology, trade and investment, to build this area into a peaceful place with an ever-growing economy."

WU GUOXIU NANNING "This year, Cambodia and China are also celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. What areas of bilateral ties meet your expectations the most?"

HUN SEN CAMBODIAN PRIME MINISTER "Over the 60 years since China and Cambodia established diplomatic relations, I, as Cambodia's Prime Minister, guided the development of our relationship over one-third of the time. We can see our political relations are very good, but it's not enough. Our two countries should boost economic, investment, trade, tourism and other relations. We can facilitate exchanges among our young people, offer scholarships for Cambodian students to study in China. China and Cambodia have a lot of cooperation potential. Trade volume has reached 5 billion US dollars, but that's not enough. We have more potential. We should work harder. President Xi's proposals of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the Belt & Road Initiative can boost China's relations with Cambodia and ASEAN, and countries along the Belt and Road."