CIBTC leads Chinese publishing delegation to Bologna Children's Book Fair

From April 13 to 16, the 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair was held at the Bologna Exhibition Centre in Italy. The China International Book Trading Corporation (CIBTC) under China International Communications Group (CICG) led a Chinese publishing delegation of 17 publishing houses to the fair, where more than 300 premium Chinese titles were showcased.

Tailored to the reading interests of young readers, the CIBTC booth highlighted themes including traditional culture, storytelling, science, and arts education, offering a vivid display of the richness of Chinese civilization. A special "Panda Island" cultural and creative products section was also featured at the booth.

People visit the booth of the China International Book Trading Corporation at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, held from April 13 to 16, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

During the fair, CIBTC launched its international illustrators recruitment program, inviting outstanding illustrators worldwide to join Online Service for International Copyright, its copyright information and trading platform. Several Chinese publishers signed copyright export agreements with international partners, including Phoenix International Publications, Inc. of the U.S. and publishing houses from Italy.

Amid expanding Belt and Road cooperation, Chinese children's books are gaining fresh momentum in global markets, with rising demand in Europe and Southeast Asia. Exports of copyrighted picture books on traditional culture, works featuring Eastern aesthetics, Chinese books for different reading levels, and premium science books for children are seeing sustained growth. At the same time, original Chinese IP is showing increasing potential for international adaptation.

As the world's leading trade fair for the children's publishing industry, the Bologna Children's Book Fair attracted over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 90 countries and regions this year.