The Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest in the world, will be opening its doors for the 61st successive year from 14 to 18 October. China, this year’s Guest of Honour, will provide insights into its multifaceted publishing and literary scenes. Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and China’s Vice-President Xi Jinping will open the renowned Fair this evening (13 October).

For the Federal Foreign Office, too, the Frankfurt Book Fair is an important cooperation partner. For promoting literature and translations is a key part of cultural relations and education policy. The Federal Foreign Office and the Frankfurt Book Fair have therefore joined forces to assist publishers and booksellers from developing countries and emerging economies. This will enable them to present their products at the Fair and to network with other players in the business.

What is more, since 2003 the Federal Foreign Office has co-sponsored the Fair’s International Centre in Hall 5. The Centre offers guests from around the world an exciting forum for debate at the interface between literature, culture and politics. In the adjacent Translators Centre interpreters and translators discuss their current professional challenges by way of lectures.