Organizers of the book fair have selected China as this year's guest of honor. Xi Jinping said he was very pleased with the event at the fair's opening ceremony.
"China attends this year's fair as the guest of honor. The fair not only provides a vital chance for China to appreciate elite cultural products worldwide, but also opens a window for people from various nations to observe Chinese culture at a closer distance. We look forward to presenting Chinese culture in deep detail through this fair, and to promoting exchange and cooperation between Chinese and the world's publishing industries." (www.hXen.com)
Xi Jinping said the Chinese side will take the opportunity to serve as the guest of honor to introduce Chinese culture as well as its prosperous development in the publishing industry.
Some 270 publishers and over 2,000 traders from the Chinese mainland are participating in this year's book fair, setting a new record.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she believes the event will enhance mutual understanding and trust between China and the world.
"Literature is an important path to understanding another country's culture. Chinese culture is new to many Germans. I welcome the Chinese Writers Delegation to attend this fair. I also anticipate the rich and colorful programs that have been organized by the Chinese side."
The book fair is the largest and most important of its kind in the world, with over 400,000 books from more than 100 countries, and over 180,000 international trade visitors.
