A high-level conference to promote Chinese books overseas has been held in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province. Led by the the State Council Information Office and State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, experts of the Chinese publishing industry pitched in.

Promoting Chinese books overseas

2016 marks the 10th anniversary of  the country's "Plan to Promote Chinese Books Overseas" and prominent achievements have been made in various fields.

A multitude of new books have been published reflecting the stories of modern day China. "Xi Jinping-the Governance of China" has been published in more than 100 countries and regions in the world, with over 500-thousand copies sold. These books have helped people to better understand China today. 

Books about Chinese culture are also popular with international readers. Anciant classics on taoism and confucianism are particularly sought after. Meanwhile, a number of contemporary writers have come to the fore. Mo Yan won the Nobel Prize for literature; Cao Wenxuan, the Hans Christian Andersen Award; and Liu Cixin, the Hugo Award.

The publishing industry has also seen a continued expansion on the world stage. At its inception, the entire promotional department only had 20 people. Now the number has nearly doubled. Under the auspices of the group, more and more publishing houses are also venturing overseas. Now, there are some 400 branches of Chinese publishing houses around the world. In 2015, China officially became a member of the International Publishers Association.

"We are expanding market with a focus on the 'one belt one road' countries. Starting from India, we hope to cover the entire south Aisa; from Thailand to the whole southeast Asia; and from Turkey to Arab countries and European countries. We believe our efforts to promote our publications and publishing houses will play an important role in promoting Chinese culture overseas," said He Zhiyong, President of Xinhua Winshare Publishing.

The promotional department was established in January of 2006, led by the State Council Information Office and State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television. The group now includes 38 prominent members in the country's publishing industry.