Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador to Britain, speaks at a press conference on China Market Focus at the London Book Fair 2012 on March 7.

China's publishing industry has attached unprecedented importance to the London Book Fair 2012, as it is the first time China participates in the event as the Market Focus, said Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador to Britain, at a press conference on China Market Focus at the London Book Fair 2012 on March 7.

Chinese organizers are planning over 300 activities in various shapes and forms, and in addition many authors, novelists, playwrights, journalists, artists, performers, agents and publishers will be coming in from China, which will place a spotlight on contemporary Chinese authors and the whole of China as an important publishing arena.

Liu pointed out that, apart from the abovementioned, several Chinese leaders will attend the opening ceremony and related activities.

China will use this event as an opportunity to showcase its latest and most advanced achievements in the publishing industry and other fields, and further the dialogues and discussions with other countries, in order to promote the Chinese publishing industry on a more international stage.

Since this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level between China and Britain, China Market Focus at the London Book Fair is an important part of the series of celebrating events.

Liu said that, over the past 40 years, China-UK relations have moved from strength to strength and their mutual political trust has been growing. In addition, their economic cooperation has been expanding and cultural exchanges are deepening. This entails that China's participation at the London Book Fair is also of much importance for the China-UK relationship in general.

On a last note, Liu warmly welcomed the UK media to cover the China Market Focus event at the London Book Fair and called for concerted efforts to strengthen exchanges between China and the West through "New Perspectives and New Concepts".

Entering its 41st year, the London Book Fair is the second largest global marketplace for rights negotiation as well as the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. Taking place every spring in the world's premier publishing and cultural capital, it provides a unique opportunity to hear from authors, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and explore innovations shaping the publishing world of the future.

The London Book Fair Market Focus initiative is a key opportunity for both UK and international publishers to liaise with their foreign counterparts and seek out new business partnerships.

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