Over 600 guests gather for digital publishing expo in Hainan, Sept 2024

The 14th China International Digital Publishing Expo commenced on September 21, 2024, in Haikou, Hainan Province, attracting over 600 guests from various countries. The event focused on enhancing quality in the publishing industry, fostering international collaboration, and creating high-quality digital content. Notable discussions included the digitization of historical texts, exemplified by France's 'Relier' project aimed at reviving out-of-print titles. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of human involvement alongside AI advancements in publishing. The Expo featured representatives from international organizations, including the Japan Book Publishers Association and the Korea Creative Content Agency, highlighting the necessity for global cooperation in addressing digitalization challenges. Experts underscored that technological upgrades in distribution channels require a collective approach, as no single nation can tackle these issues independently. This sentiment was echoed by various speakers who called for maintaining technical standards and legal coordination. Hainan is positioning itself as a hub for digital publishing innovation, with local enterprises like Hainan Publishing and Distribution Group spearheading initiatives to enhance cultural exports and digital trade. The Expo's extensive exhibition area showcased over 500 companies, presenting new products and projects that reflect the latest advancements in the industry. A report from the China Academy of Press and Publication revealed that China's digital publishing sector reached over 1.6 trillion yuan in 2023, marking a significant growth of 19.08% year-on-year. This growth underscores the increasing importance of digital publishing in the global market and the need for ongoing international dialogue and collaboration.