Promoting China through books at Bookexpo America

Zhang Qiyue, China's consul general in New York, makes a speech at the welcome reception of 2015 BookExpo America's Global Market Forum on Tuesday in New York. Mei Jia / China Daily.

China's participation in the Global Market Forum during the upcoming Bookexpo America will provide the American public with more access to understand it, Chinese Consul General to New York Zhang Qiyue said on May 26.

Zhang said at the Welcome Ceremony held at the Asia Society Garden Court that she noticed "a very strong interest from the US to learn more about China".

Wu Shangzhi, Vice-minister of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, agreed and said the series of events is an important cultural exchange between the two countries, which celebrate 36 years of diplomatic ties this year.

Bookexpo America is one of the major events of the global publishing industry. The 2015 BEA features China as the guest of honor for the first time.

"United States and China are close trading partners and China imports the most titles from the US," Wu said.

He added that about 500 publishing professionals, joined by 25 celebrated Chinese writers, will bring 10,000 English titles to the book gathering. More than 130 cultural events will be held, together with 6 exhibitions on film and ancient culture.

"I believe the writers and publishers here will have better stories about China to tell," Zhang said.

Steve Rosato, BEA's event manager has been working with the Chinese side for the GMF since 2011.

"We've been climbing the mountain this far, now it's time to enjoy the view," Rosato said.