Chinese book fair kicks off in Cambodian capital

PHNOM PENH - The Chinese Book Exhibition 2016 kicked off at the Peace Book Center in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Monday with the aim to provide convenience to Chinese-language learners.

Thousands of Chinese books, covering a wide range of themes, including Chinese politics, literature, history, economy, culture, health, agriculture, and technologies, are displayed at the event.

"A variety of Chinese books is available at the fair, which is a good opportunity for Cambodian learners of Chinese language to explore more about Chinese culture and tradition," Tuo Zhen, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said during the opening ceremony.

He said that people-to-people relations are very important to further deepen bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries.

"Books are not only a tool to promote views, knowledge and information, but also an important window to explore outside world and to exchange views among people around the world," he said.

Organized by China's State Council Information Office and the Chinese Embassy to Cambodia, the fair attracted hundreds of officials, researchers, teachers and students during the opening ceremony.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo said the exhibition mainly aimed to further enhance cultural ties and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

"The book exhibition is being held at an appropriate time, just a few days prior to the first state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Cambodia on Oct 13 and 14," he said.

The ambassador said Xi's upcoming visit would help further to advance traditional friendship relations and add a new momentum to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between the two countries.

Khim Sarith, Secretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said the fair was a testament to close cooperation between the two countries and reflected the progress in publications in China.

"These Chinese books will be a cache of knowledge for Cambodian people learning Chinese language and researchers," he said.

"Through these books, Cambodian people will better understand Chinese culture, civilization, tradition and custom."

He added that the exhibition also encouraged Cambodian students to understand the importance of reading books.