Annual Frankfurt Book Fair to open on Oct. 14th

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The annual Frankfurt Book Fair will open on Wednesday, the world's largest trade fair of its kind. And for the first time, China will be presented as the fair's Guest of Honor.

It is known as the Olympics of the publishing industry.

Over seven thousand publishers from more than a hundred countries and regions will take part in the Frankfurt book fair this year.

Some 15 thousand journalists from around the world will come to cover the big event.

A 2,000-strong Chinese publisher delegation, will bring seventy six hundred types of books. They include, 73 English books, covering various aspects of the 2010 Shanghai Expo.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will attend the opening ceremony.

A man stands in front of a book shelf at a booth during preparations for the Frankfurt book fair October 12, 2009. The world's largest  book fair with its focal theme on China's literature will run from  the 14th till 18th of October, 2009.REUTERS/Johannes Eisele (GERMANY BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT)

As the Guest of Honor, China will present various cultural activities during the 5-day event, including a grand opening gala, a publishers' and authors' reception, and a "Peking Opera" performance.

China's publishing industry will use the international book fair as a platform to expand copyright protection, and conduct international exchanges and cooperation.

The Frankfurt Book Fair is held annually in October. Since 1976, the fair has invited countries and regions to attend as the Guest of Honor. So far, 21 countries and regions have taken the honor.