Time for harvest and sowing for future

The following is the translation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's keynote speech at the tenth China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, which runs from Sept 3 to 6 in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Distinguished guests, ladies, gentlemen and friends,

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN strategic partnership and the holding of the China-ASEAN Expo. In many of our oriental countries, there is such a popular saying as "a grand celebration in every 10th year". Today, the hall is full of distinguished guests and filled with festive air. China has another saying - "it takes a decade for a tree to grow up". The China-ASEAN strategic partnership has gone through 10 years, like a fully grown tree, which is thriving and fruitful. Now, it is time for harvest as well as sowing for the future. I have full confidence in the future development of China-ASEAN relations. On behalf of the Chinese government, I extend my warm welcome to all distinguished guests from various countries, and I send my sincere congratulations to the successful holding of the China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.