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Chinese publisher debuts at UAE book fair

The China International Publishing Group (CIPG) has attended the international book fair in Abu Dhabi for the first time

The six day annual event attracts established and prominent literati from all over the world, with 800 publishers from 63 countries taking part in the exhibition this year, according to Xinhua. 

The event's reputation and importance, both within the Middle East and the world, was further enhanced in 2007, when it began an affiliation with the reputed Frankfurt Book Fair.

Already highly regarded as a result of the reputation it had built up since its inception in 1991, the cooperation with the German book fair dramatically increased its reach and appeal, facts that will not have gone unnoticed by the CIPG.

Indeed, Chinese ambassador to United Arab Emirates Gao Yushen, inferred that the recent success of the book fair had perhaps impacted CIPG's decision to attend this year.

He told the news provider: " Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which has witnessed rapid development in recent years, is an influential event in the region. I'm very glad to see CIPG's debut at the book fair."

Guo Xiaoyong, executive vice president of CIPG, revealed that its presence at the event had sparked a significant amount of interest and, as a result of that interest, potential business.

He told Xinhua: "Soon after the inauguration of the book fair, quite a few publishers came here to discuss business with us, showing that our books are indeed very popular."

However, while the CIPG will likely benefit from its debut appearance at the now-established book fair, it should also be noted that the publisher's presence has a number of advantages for the book fair too.

Guo said: "More than 10 publishing institutions subordinated to CIPG from China and abroad have participated in the book fair with about 260 kinds of books in Arabic, English, Chinese and other languages."

A wider variety of attendees has brought a wider variety in books.