First books of the project on mutual translation and publication of classic books between China and Pakistan are displayed at the 29th Beijing International Book Fair.

The first books of the project on mutual translation and publication of classic books between China and Pakistan were launched at the China National Convention Center on June 15 during the 29th Beijing International Book Fair, which ran from June 15 to 18.

The Mutual Translation Projects for Asian Classics aims to promote mutual cultural translation and learning between civilizations of 47 Asian countries.

The five titles from Pakistan are Pakistani Literature (Year 1994, Vol.2-3), Selected Pakistani Literature (Urdu Short Stories 1947-2008), Sorrows of Sarasvati, Pakistani Literature (Vol.212020-21 Issue 1-2), and Zeenat, all of which were published this very day; the five books from China are Decoded, I Am Hua Mulan, Tales of Hulan River, Selected Stories of Jia Dashan, and The Magic Gourd, the first two of which have been published and the latter three of which have been translated.

Zhao Haiyun, deputy head of the Import and Export Administration of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivers a speech.

Zhao Haiyun, deputy head of the Import and Export Administration of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, extended his congratulations in his speech.

Zhao noted that the mutual translation of classic books between China and Pakistan has made substantial progress. He added that he hopes Phoenix Publishing and Media Group will continue expanding exchanges and cooperation in publishing and contributing to cultural exchanges between China and other countries in Asia.

Xu Baofeng, head of the secretariat of Mutual Translation Projects for Asian Classics office and dean of the Belt and Road Academy of Beijing Language and Culture University, speaks at the launch ceremony.

Xu Baofeng, head of the secretariat of Mutual Translation Projects for Asian Classics office and dean of the Belt and Road Academy of Beijing Language and Culture University, introduced the projects' basic situations and the undertakers of the project in China and Pakistan.

He said that this year is the China-Pakistan Year of Tourism Exchanges and also marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. The books of the mutual translation project will serve as an important bridge for people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

Xu Hai, editor-in-chief and vice-president of Phoenix Publishing and Media Inc, addresses the launch ceremony.

Decoded by Mai Jia has been translated into more than 30 languages since its English version was published in 2014. It has also been included into the Penguin Classics and rated as the book of the year by The Economist, according to Xu Hai, editor-in-chief and vice-president of Phoenix Publishing and Media Inc.

Xu added that Selected Stories of Jia Dashan tells Chinese stories and portrays Chinese culture and spirit.

He noted that the choice of the Pakistan Academy of Letters testifies the universality of classic works. The five titles PPM introduced from Pakistan represent high-level Pakistani literature and it is the first time that these books have been translated into Chinese and published in China, which will play an important role in China-Pakistan cultural exchanges.

Ahtasham Abid, translator of the Selected Stories of Jia Dashan, delivers a speech via video at the launch ceremony.

Muhammad Asim Butt, editor-in-chief of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, said in his letter of congratulation that Pakistan Academy of Letters has been enjoying very well-meaning and productive relationship with the National Administration of Press and Publication as well as Phoenix Publishing & Media Inc. The project of translation and publication of 100 great books from Pakistani and Chinese literature is the biggest project of book publication Pakistan ever undertook with any neighboring country, according to Butt.

He noted that Pakistani readers love to know more and more about Chinese literary tradition and the same is true of the Chinese readers as well. This project has the capacity to open new avenues and horizons of literature for the readers of both countries, he added.

Participants of the launch ceremony pose for a group photo.

The Import and Export Administration of Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee is responsible for carrying out the Mutual Translation Projects for Asian Classics and its secretariat is located in the BLCU.

As of now, China has inked memorandums on mutual translation and publication of classic books with Singapore, Pakistan, South Korea, Iran, Laos, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Yemen, and Thailand.