The Chinese pavilion at the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) is making a significant impact in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. This year, the pavilion is showcasing a diverse collection of books in English, Arabic, and Mandarin, covering topics ranging from political and cultural to scientific and educational. Additionally, traditional Chinese products suitable as gifts are also available, attracting a wide range of readers and providing ample opportunities for understanding and exploration for both Chinese participants based in Qatar and those who have travelled from China specifically to participate in the DIBF.
The Chinese pavilion’s participation at the DIBF is facilitated by Beijing Zhongke Import & Export Ltd, the 39th largest company globally. Under the theme “Reading China,” the company has set up its booth at location H1-30, displaying nearly 300 high-quality books across three exhibition areas. Chen Changyue, the vice manager of Beijing Zhongke Import & Export Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the fair, highlighting the opportunity it provides for enhancing bilateral publication trade and cultural exchanges. Through the DIBF, publishers can promote outstanding publications, enhance bilateral publication trade, copyright cooperation, and author exchanges, thus boosting the publicity of both countries’ cultures and technological achievements.
The pavilion’s objective is to showcase China’s achievements in science, technology, and traditional culture through books to more countries worldwide. The focus is on strengthening exchanges with Qatar’s publishing industry, libraries, and the general public, deepening the understanding of China in Qatar and the Arab region. Preparations for the fair included bringing publications representing China’s traditional culture and scientific achievements for the first time and organizing a delegation of Chinese publishing units and academic research institutions to engage in academic exchanges in Doha.
The Doha International Book Fair serves as a platform to establish direct contacts between the Chinese publishing industry and relevant institutions in Qatar, fostering a robust exchange platform between the two countries. It aims to deepen mutual understanding in science, culture, and publishing, creating more opportunities for collaboration. The carefully selected books at the Chinese pavilion’s booth include titles like “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,” “The Great Wall of Beijing,” “Big Data Dictionary,” and “Contemporary Chinese Museums,” aimed at showcasing China’s diverse achievements in various fields.
The Chinese community in Qatar is substantial, and efforts have been made to engage organizations like the Overseas Chinese Association and Hamad Bin Khalifa University to visit the fair and engage in academic and cultural exchanges. The hope is to welcome more people interested in Chinese culture and to participate in the Doha International Book Fair every year, organizing more Chinese cultural units to facilitate exchanges in various fields between China and Qatar. Participants at the Chinese pavilion include the Ministry of Culture, Wisdom House International Communication Group, and China Awtar Publishing, offering books targeting young readers, traditional Chinese items, educational and cultural series, and books teaching the Chinese language, reflecting the increasing interest in Chinese language learning.
