Book Fair Witnesses Copyright Trade ImbalanceThe just-concluded Beijing International Book Exposition witnessed a remarkable imbalance in the copyright trade, the Beijing Daily reported Monday.Although local publishers flocked to buy the copyright of foreign books at the fair, local book sales were low, resulting in a ratio of 8:1. Approximately 500 domestic and overseas publishing houses from 42 countries and regions attended the five-day exposition. China should import various foreign books to meet the demands of the country's social, economic and scientific and technological development, said Cai Yuniang, director in charge of copyright trade at the China National Publications Import & Export Corporation. Being a major book exporter, China lacks books with unique characteristics, which has blunted its edge in the international book market, said Cai. India has exceeded China in exporting books for children and books on computer technology. Lacking variety, creativeness and imagination has also weakened the international competitiveness of Chinese books, according to some local experts. Local experts also noted that before striking a deal, foreign buyers often attach greater importance to China's counterparts' in terms of reputation, popularity and circulation. |
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