The China International Publishing Group (CIPG), the country's leading publisher for international readers, is set to expand its global reach as it celebrates the 60th anniversary of its founding.

The group will continue to improve its "core competitiveness" and "international communication capacity" to become an influential international media group, said CIPG President Zhou Mingwei at a conference marking the organization's 60th birthday in Beijing on September 4.

Founded in 1949, CIPG's mission was designed to help foreigners have a better understanding about modern China. A conglomerate with diversified business ranging from book and periodical publishing, online media, book distribution and printing, the group publishes more than 3,000 titles in books as well as more than 20 magazines in print and online —including Beijing Review—in nearly 20 languages. Internet users in more than 200 countries and regions around the world visit CIPG's websites, such as www.china.org.cn.

With 16 overseas branches, CIPG takes part in every year's international book fairs such as the Frankfurt Book Fair, the London Book Fair and BookExpo America, becoming the leading Chinese publisher to exhibit and sell publications and copyrights at these events.

To celebrate the birthday of the oldest foreign-language publishing group in China, Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and Liu Yunshan, Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, have sent a congratulatory message to CIPG.

In the past six decades, the message said, CIPG has been committed to introducing China to the rest of the world by publishing books and periodicals and operating websites.

It has contributed greatly to enhancing the understanding and friendship between China and other countries and promoting exchanges and cooperation, it said.

Wang Chen, Minister of the State Council Information Office, Liu Binjie, Minister of the General Administration of Press and Publication and Cai Mingzhao, Vice Minister of the State Council Information Office, were present at the conference on September 4. Also attending the meeting were officials from other ministries as well as representatives from Beijing-based publishing houses, media organizations and educational and academic institutions along with more than 1,000 staff members and retirees of the group.