President Xi leaves for Cambodia, Bangladesh, BRICS summit

President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Thursday morning to start a five-day trip to Cambodia, Bangladesh and India amid China's efforts to boost ties with South and Southeast Asian countries.

The president's plane took off at about 8:30 am at Beijing Capital International Airport and is scheduled to arrive in Phnom Penh after flying four and half hours.

The Chinese president will pay state visits to Cambodia and Bangladesh on Thursday and Friday, and he will then fly to Goa of India to attend the 8th BRICS Summit during the weekend.

In a signed article published on Thursday in Cambodia's largest daily newspaper, Rasmei Kampuchea, Xi said China is prepared to expand its imports from Cambodia and enlarge trade.

"I am full of expectation on my first visit to Cambodia as China's president," Xi wrote, calling Cambodia as a devoted friend and brother-like neighbor.

On Tuesday, companies from China and Cambodia signed eight trade deals valued at $62 million on Tuesday in Phnom Penh. The Chinese companies, led by the Ministry of Commerce, agreed to buy such Cambodian products as cassava starch and granite.

Xi's Cambodia trip reciprocates the visit to Beijing by King Norodom Sihamoni in June, during which they agreed to further the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between their countries.

During his stay, Xi is scheduled to meet with the king, have talks with Prime Minister Hun Sen and witness the signing of deals to boost cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and tourism.

China has been the biggest trade partner and investment source for Cambodia for three consecutive years, and bilateral trade reached $4.4 billion last year.