Egypt is currently participating in the 18th round of the Beijing International Book Fair in the Chinese capital.

The Egyptian involvement is supervised this year by the media, culture and tourism offices of the Egyptian embassy. The display includes a number of books, encyclopaedias, periodicals and publications about the Arab and Islamic culture. Of course, Egyptian literature, heritage and tourism marketing materials are emphasised.

tourism offices of the Egyptian embassy. The display includes a number of books, encyclopaedias, periodicals and publications about the Arab and Islamic culture. Of course, Egyptian literature, heritage and tourism marketing materials are emphasised.

Some books have been translated to and from Chinese, and a number of flyers and booklets about Egypt’s January 25 Revolution were published by the General Organisation for Information.

A corner is dedicated to displaying copies of ancient relics.

"The Egyptian participation in this fair, which is considered the largest and most important cultural event in China, wasn't only a display of the culture and heritage, but we cared to put all the effort to bring about a civilised message to the visitors of the fair, and the Chinese in particular, using the various media, electronic books, CDs and distributing publications," stated Ahmed Sallam, head of the Egyptian media office in Beijing.

Sallam added that this year's fair is an opportunity for the Chinese public and fair visitors from different nationalities to see two bright faces of Egypt: the first displaying its rich written history, publishing, journalism and literary heritage; and the other the archaeological artefacts in the "Pharaonic Treasures," section, displaying the grandeur of the Pharaonic civilisation.

On another side, Nasser Abdel-Aal, the Egyptian Tourism counsellor in Bijing stated that, "This fair promotes tourism to Egypt by informing about the Egyptian culture and civilisation through books and electronic media that includes the most important tourist destinations in Egypt."

He commented that the demand for Egyptian publications this year was high, especially anything on ancient Egypt and the most important touristic and archaeological sites.

According to Mohamed Gaber Abou-Ali, the Egyptian cultural attaché in Beijing , "This fair witnesses the first participation of the Egyptian cultural office recently opened in Beijing." He also noted that Chinese readers are keen on Egypt’s culture.