"The fair aims to help Cambodian students to seek Chinese books that are important to their studies," Long Yi, a senior official of the administration, said at the opening ceremony of the fair. " I have confidence that through the event, more Cambodian students will learn about Chinese history, culture and development."

Li Zhigong, political councilor of the Embassy of China in Cambodia, said the exhibition was essential to enhance educational and cultural relations between China and Cambodia.

"More and more Cambodians are eager to learn the Chinese language and culture," he said. "I believe that such a Chinese book fair will help fulfill their desire to access information about China and Chinese culture."

Khim Sarith, secretary of state at the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said Chinese language was very popular in Cambodia thanks to excellent ties between Cambodia and China and growing demand in the job market.

"There are a lot of job opportunities with high pay for Chinese- speaking Cambodians because many Chinese companies are doing businesses here," he said.

He said the expo reflected close and friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries and promoted Chinese culture, civilization, customs, and traditions to Cambodian people.

"It will further contribute to enhancing people-to-people relations between the two countries," he said.