The 39th Tunis International Book Fair recently featured a special event with China as the guest of honor at the Le Kram – Exhibition and International Trade Center of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Huang Zhijian, Chairman of China Publishing Group Co., Ltd.; Zhang Zehui, Director-General of the Import and Export Administration Bureau of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee; and Wan Li, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Tunisia, attended the launch ceremony of China’s guest of honor. Tunisian President Kais Saied participated in the ceremony and visited the Chinese pavilion, and Huang Zhijian briefed him on the exhibition’s highlights.
During the fair, the China-Tunisia Civilization Exchange Forum was held to highlight Chinese modernization and promote new opportunities for international publishing cooperation. Huang Zhijian delivered a keynote speech at the forum, emphasizing that Chinese modernization places a strong focus on the power of culture, valuing cross-border exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. He noted that the publishing industry serves as a crucial medium for cultural dissemination and civilizational dialogue, emphasizing that books will connect China and Tunisia so that the two peoples can listen to each other’s voices and deepen mutual understanding—an endeavor of profound significance.
At the book fair, China Publishing Group Co., Ltd. showcased a curated collection of high-quality works across various topics, including social sciences, culture, literature, children’s books, and popular science publications, highlighting China’s fine traditional culture, the journey of Chinese modernization, and the dynamic development of contemporary China’s economy and society. They were warmly received by international readers. Exhibitors from the Group organized five events for cultural exchange and copyright agreement signing for Chinese and foreign participants. Highlights included a new book launch and copyright agreement signing ceremony co-hosted by the Encyclopedia of China Publishing House and Tunisia Oriental Knowledge Publishing Company, as well as a launch and copyright agreement signing ceremony for China-themed new books organized by China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNPIEC).
Chairman Huang Zhijian and his delegation also discussed with Tunisian publishing institutions, libraries, and higher education institutions, enhancing mutual understanding and deepening cooperation. They promoted key publications from China Publishing Group, introduced the Beijing International Book Fair, and highlighted the book and periodical import-export business. During their visit, the delegation donated books to the Higher Institute of Languages of Tunis at the University of Carthage and attended the unveiling ceremony of the China Bookshelf at the University of Sousse.
The Tunis International Book Fair, established in 1982, is organized by the Ministry of Culture of Tunisia. It annually attracts exhibitors from Arab countries such as Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, as well as from Europe, Latin America and international cultural and educational organizations. With an average annual attendance of over 150,000, it is recognized as one of Africa’s most significant international book fairs.
