The 20th Beijing International Book Fair will kick off at the new China International Exhibition Center in Beijing's Shunyi district on Wednesday. This year, Saudi Arabia is the country of honor.

One of the world's key book gatherings, the 2013 BIBF has already attracted 2,267 book/publishing organizations from 76 countries and regions. They will share an array of publications, in print or digital.

More digital publishers are joining the book fair. They will communicate with their international peers on various forums.

Children's reading events will also be a focus at the book fair, as the Chinese market is considered to have high potential in children's publishing business.

One of the organizers, Zhang Jichen with China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Corporation, says more middle- and small-sized publishers from abroad are attracted to join the fair this year, an increase of 8 percent compared with 2012.

"It shows Chinese books' increasing international influence, along with Chinese market's growing attraction," Zhang says.

Copyright trade will continue to play a key role in the event. In 2012, 3,298 contracts on copyright trade were made during the book fair, making up 24 percent of the year's total amount, according to Wang Hua, an official at the State General Administration of Press and Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

Chinese books that attract foreign readers include literature, traditional culture, science and the country's mode of development.

With "books, human being's royal friend" as the theme, Cultural Attache of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Saleh Alqasoumi says they will present the colorful aspects of Saudi Arabian culture, including architecture, arts and costumes.

meijia@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/27/2013 page19)