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The London Book Fair has selected China as the market focus for its 2012's event. The move comes despite the controversy faced at last year's Frankfurt Book Fair where China was guest of honour.
The market focus programme, which will be held in conjunction with the General Administration for Press and Publication (GAPP), is run by LBF with the British Council as cultural programme partners. The programme will be supported with a series of cultural events.
Alistair Burtenshaw, group exhibition director of The London Book Fair, said: "We are very pleased to welcome China as The London Book Fair's Market Focus partner for 2012 and look forward to working closely with GAPP and its related agencies to enhance cultural and publishing exchanges between China and the UK, and to showcase China as a flourishing player in the global publishing field."
A statement from the fair organisers said the decision reflected "the transition of the country over recent years to become one of the leading forces in global publishing". There are approximately 600 publishing houses in China and the Chinese book market is the largest in the world by volume.
Minister Liu Binjie of GAPP, said: "The press and publishing industry in the world will not prosper without the participation of China. Likewise China needs to join hands with the rest of the world to develop its publishing industry because we need a larger market to develop our strength, to compete and to grow with all other players. I hope to see more collaboration between Chinese and British publishers in the international publishing arena in the future."
Martin Davidson, chief executive of the British Council, said: "Many people in the UK would admit to knowing little about the lives and attitudes of the people of China. I am absolutely delighted that the Market Focus of The London Book Fair 2012 will be China. Collaboration in literature and publishing is a powerful way to learn about each other’s values and culture. Improved understanding builds trust. And trust underpins greater cooperation, improved partnerships, and stronger trade."