"The Chinese publishing industry must stand up to the competition from global publishing giants and learn from them advanced experience and operational modes," he said.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to promoting Chinese publications at well-known international book fairs.

"China has attended a number of such activities. Besides this exhibition in Minsk, it will, also as the guest of honor, take part in a book fair in the U.S.," said the official.

Up to 5,000 books are showcased at the exhibition, which are classified into eight sections with different themes including celebration of the 70th anniversary of the victory in World Anti-Fascist War, publishing and printing in ancient China and so on.

There is a special booth for translation publications, including about 130 books translated into Chinese or Belarusian by writers and translators of both countries, Yan said.

Except for book exhibition, dozens of forums and symposiums will be held between the two country's publishers, writers and translators during the five-day gathering.

"With China's 'Belt and Road' initiatives, cooperation in the publishing area among countries along the new silk road will be brought to a new height," said Yan.