Sharjah and Chinese Publishers Forge Educational Partnerships
The Sharjah Book Authority welcomes a delegation from China's leading publishing institutions to explore collaborative opportunities in educational publishing, rights exchange and professional development.
A high-level Chinese delegation representing six of the nation’s most prominent publishing and educational institutions has visited Sharjah to explore expanded cooperation with the emirate’s publishing sector. The visit, which brought together 13 officials and specialists, focused on identifying opportunities in educational publishing, rights management and knowledge exchange.
During the visit to Sharjah Book Authority headquarters, the delegation was received by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chief Executive of the Authority, alongside senior officials including Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services; Iman Bin Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets; Tamer Said, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency; and Emran Al Ali, Head of the Strategic Planning Division at Sharjah Publishing City.
Discussions centred on deepening professional connections between Chinese publishers and their regional counterparts, whilst exploring pathways to strengthen Chinese participation at the renowned Sharjah International Book Fair. The two sides also identified priority areas for future collaboration and considered mechanisms to establish more robust direct channels between institutions.
Mr Al Ameri highlighted Sharjah’s established reputation as a bridge between China’s publishing sector and the broader Middle East. He emphasised that the Authority functions as a welcoming platform where publishers from diverse markets can identify synergies, establish meaningful partnerships and extend their literary and educational reach to new audiences.
The Chief Executive noted that His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has positioned literature as a cornerstone of cultural understanding and exchange. Under the chairmanship of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Authority continues advancing this vision by cultivating relationships with publishing markets worldwide and creating platforms for authors, publishers and industry professionals to flourish.
Mr Al Ameri expressed optimism regarding the visit’s potential to catalyse substantive projects and professional alliances, acknowledging China’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic publishing markets.
Visitors received comprehensive briefings on Sharjah’s publishing infrastructure and toured Sharjah Publishing City, gaining insight into its comprehensive facilities and specialist services designed to support publishing professionals and book industry stakeholders.
The Chinese delegation represented China Education Publishing & Media Group, People’s Education Press, Higher Education Press, Hunan Education Publishing House, China Educational Publications Import & Export Corporation, and the Import and Export Administration Office of China’s National Press and Publication Administration.
This visit underscores the Authority’s commitment to strengthening bonds between the Arab publishing industry and international counterparts, transforming cultural dialogue into tangible professional collaborations that facilitate the flow of literary works, creative concepts and expertise across linguistic and geographical boundaries.
Source: WAM