Digital Future, a leading publishing company headquartered in Beirut, capital of Lebanon, has translated and published more than 200 Chinese books and sold a total of more than 1 million copies, contributing to the cultural communication between China and other countries.

These books, covering a variety of topics, including politics, economy, society, culture and education, have been translated into Arabic, English, French and German among others, said Mohamad Elkhatib, president of the company.

Elkhatib started to bring Chinese books to Lebanon and other Arab countries more than 10 years ago, when he first picked up a children's storybook at a bookstore in Shenzhen, China's Guangdong province.

He believes it's necessary to translate Chinese books into Arabic since hundreds of millions of people in the world speak Arabic and more Arab readers are becoming interested in Chinese culture with the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Up to now, the company has cooperated with over 10 Chinese publishers, including China Renmin University Press and Anhui Children's Publishing House.

The children's books published by the company are popular among Arab kids. Some are even included on must-read lists created by primary and high school teachers.

The company is joining hands with educational institutions and schools in Arab countries to promote academic and educational Chinese books to the students, said Elkhatib.

Elkhatib also said that the company would translate and publish an encyclopedia about China in the near future, which he thinks will help Arab readers have an in-depth understanding of China. He hopes Arab countries can learn from the experience of China's economic development through these books.