The Chinese delegation members that attend the 20th Moscow International Book Fair (MIBF) have arrived in Russia in succession since September 3. They will display publication grace of China as a country of honor at the 20th MIBF.

It is learnt from China National Publication Import and Export (Group) Corporation that Chinese delegation attends this Book Fair with a total number of 340 people, which is the first time for Chinese publishing industry to organize such a large-scale delegation to attend MIBF. The theme of China Pavilion is "Reading Chinese Book, Understanding Chinese People".

Chen Yingming, vice director general, Department of Foreign Exchange and Cooperation, General Administration of Press and Publication, told reporter of China Press and Publishing Journal that this is the third time for China as a country of honor at the international book fairs, and the former twice were at the Geneva International Book Salon 1994 and the French Book Salon 2005. It is said that China as a country of honor, whose pavilion takes an area of 1,120 square meters is the largest one of ever country of honor. By then, 8000 titles of books with 20,000 copies which weight more than two tons are presented at the Book Fair to meet the publishers of Russia and from the world. During the book fair, the Chinese delegation will hold more than 70 activities, such as High-level Sino-Russian Publication Symposium, Chinese Printing Exhibition etc. Meanwhile, more than 20 well-known writers and critics, including Tie Ning, Chairman of the Chinese Writers Association and writer Wang Meng, organized by the Chinese Writers Association will arrive in Russia to communicate with Russian readers extensively at this Book Fair.

Moscow International Book Fair held annually in September is one of the most important events of exchange in the publishing industry in Europe and even all over the world, and attracts over 1000 publishers from 70 and more countries to take part in it.

(CBI September 10, 2007)