Publishing sector urged to be competitive

BEIJING -- A senior official of the Communist Party of China has stressed systematic reforms for the country's publishing industry to make the sector more internationally competitive.

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks Wednesday while visiting the 19th Beijing International Book Fair, where he spoke with domestic and overseas exhibitors.

Reforms in the industry have provided strong momentum for the development of the cultural sector, Li said, urging further work to promote the development, innovation and global competitiveness of the industry through reform.

Li called for more high-quality publications and greater efforts to integrate publishing and modern technology.

He also urged efforts to establish a modern enterprise system in the sector, as well more support and encouragement for publishers that wish to expand their overseas markets.

Liu Binjie, director of the General Administration of Press and Publication, underscored the government's supportive role in boosting the industry's competitiveness, such as much more financial investment, preferential taxation policy, and greater attention to fostering professionals in the publishing industry.

Liu said domestic publishers are facing severe challenges of international publishing giants, particularly in the field of digital publishing.

He urged accelerating research and development on a number of key digital publications, as the publishing industry has stepped into a digital era.

He encouraged Chinese publishing enterprises to invest overseas and strengthen cooperation with international publishers in copyright trade, digital publishing and other projects.

The Beijing International Book Fair, first held in 1986, is co-sponsored by the General Administration of Press and Publication, the Information Office of the State Council and other government departments and industry associations.

Over 2,200 exhibitors from 75 countries and regions are attending this year's fair, which will run from Wednesday to Sunday.