English version of Chinese titles are displayed in a special book area in the Barnes&Noble Bookstore on the Upper West Side, New York, on Tuesday. Most of them are recent bestsellers in China and globally. [Photo by Mei Jia/China Daily]

Rosato told China Daily in a previous interview that "selecting China was an easy decision as there is a great dynamic between China and the United States, as well as China's continued growth as an economic power". "There is a great opportunity for both the US and Chinese publishing industries that will allow both sides to see great benefits, being a win-win for the publishing industries in both countries," he added.

Days before the BEA officially kicks off, US bookstores and online sellers like Amazon are offering a taste of China.

The Barnes & Noble on Broadway arranged a special zone for English versions of Chinese titles, both fiction and non-fiction, on its first floor. And new books, including President Xi Jinping's The Governance of China, are displayed in the windows on the street.

"We do the special area to honor China's BEA involvement," said Paul Trinidad, a manager with Barnes & Noble.

More Chinese titles ranging from the latest translation of Mai Jia's novel Decoded to books on Chinese tea are displayed there from May 10 to June 10.

Amazon.com is also doing a special sale on China-themed books from May 1 to June 30. "Barnes & Noble's selection of Chinese titles for the special area shows that Chinese books have an increasing appeal for its English readers," vice-minister Wu said.

meijia@chinadaily.com.cn