Bologna Children's Book Fair delegation visits CIBTC

A delegation led by Elena Pasoli, director of the Bologna Children's Book Fair, visited China International Book Trading Corporation (CIBTC) in Beijing on June 19. Xie Gang, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG) and general manager of CIBTC, met with the delegation. The two sides exchanged views on further strengthening cooperation in children's publishing. 

Elena Pasoli, director of the Bologna Children's Book Fair, and Xie Gang, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG) and general manager of China International Book Trading Corporation (CIBTC), attend a meeting at CIBTC in Beijing, June 19, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Xie introduced CICG's multilingual publishing network, its strengths in children's publishing, as well as CIBTC's work in channel development, organizing Chinese publishers' participation in international book fairs, operating international bookstores, and helping Chinese children's books reach global readers.

He noted that in 1982, International Bookstore, the predecessor of CIBTC, made its first appearance at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, marking an important step for China's children's publishing industry in engaging with the international community.

Pasoli spoke highly of the long-standing cooperation between the two sides. She said Chinese children's book writers and illustrators, drawing on the rich heritage of Chinese culture, have been actively engaging with the world, and that international publishers are showing growing interest in Chinese children's books. 

Both sides expressed hopes of further strengthening cooperation in areas such as children's book copyright exchange, illustration promotion and award participation, and IP development.

During the visit, Pasoli and her delegation also visited the International Bookstore in Huayuanqiao, where they learned about its history, operations, and development plans.

Founded in 1964, the Bologna Children's Book Fair is the world's largest and most influential event dedicated to children's books, and is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious platforms in the global children's publishing industry. It provides an important venue for publishing professionals from around the world to exchange ideas, explore cooperation, and conduct business negotiations. The fair is not only a global hub for copyright trading, but also a key platform for tracking emerging trends in children's multimedia publishing in the information age.