BookExpo America, (BEA) North
America’s foremost publishing event featuring the latest in print and digital
book publishing began yesterday, May 27, in New York.
China is the guest of honour for
the global market forum part of the conference. The country has sent along a
high ranking delegation of top publishing professionals, internationally
acclaimed authors, and senior government officials in an effort to widen and deepen the
cultural and business ties between the world’s two largest publishing
markets. “This is the most significant
foreign delegation that we have ever hosted at America’s largest publishing
convention”, said Steven Rosato, BEA’s Show Director. "We are honoured to welcome China and we
look forward to making this a rewarding experience for everyone involved."
Tom Allen, President
and CEO of the Association of American Publishers, said. “American publishers
welcome our Chinese counterparts to BookExpo America. We look forward to professional conversations
that can deepen mutual understanding of publishing in our respective countries
and expand opportunities for new business ventures,”
Many of China's leading
publishing houses are eager to develop a strong presence internationally. Several of the largest Chinese publishing
corporations, including Phoenix Publishing and Media Company, China Publishing
Group (CPG), and China Education and Media Group (CEMG) are participating in
BEA's professional programme. Also, major
service organisations such as China National Publishing Import and Export
Company (CNPIEC) are attending to facilitate a professional exchange between
international players and Chinese publishers, distributors, libraries and
educational institutions.
The delegation of pre-eminent
Chinese authors includes Mai Jia, who publishes in English for Farrar Straus
& Giroux, and Chi Zijian, who is preparing a translation for Harvill Secker.
During all the three coming days
of BookExpo America professional debates will be held to explore the dynamic
growth in Chinese publishing. Forums
will highlight the expanding international ambitions of the Chinese publishing
and media industry; a comparison of digital developments in American and
Chinese publishing; recent trends and success stories in literary translation;
as well as educational publishing and reading promotion.
For more information about the
China Market Forum at BEA click here.
