The Chinese publishing giant China International Publishing Group (CIPG) will, for the first time, participate in the South African Book Fair (SABF) 2015, from July 31 - August 2 at Turbine Hall, Newtown, Johannesburg.

CIPG will showcase more than 100 English books published in recent years by seven presses and publishing companies under its umbrella, with topics ranging from politics, economy and social issues to Chinese culture and language.

Many of the books are recent best-sellers, such as, Xi Jinping: The Governance of China. Released in September last year, the book, comprised of 79 speeches delivered by current Chinese president Xi between November 2012 and June 2014. It offers insights of the Chinese leader's thoughts on political issues and administration of the country. It also includes 45 photos of Xi. The book has been published in nine languages: Chinese, English, French,Russian, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, German andJapanese.

Founded in 1949, CIPG is a China's leading publishing organization with a mission to introduce China to foreign readers through books, magazines and the Internet. Annually, it publishes over 3,000 titles of books and 50 paper and digital periodicals in more than 10 languages.

Ninety exhibitors from South Africa and across the continent will participate in the fair. The three-day fair will feature book launches, signings, author interviews, literary workshops and forums, exhibitions and displays, and a children's zone. 100 authors will participate in more than 50 events.

Established in 2006, the SABF has grown to become an important platform in Southern Africa for the literary world to gather and trade in the business of publishing. The previous fairs were held in Cape Town. For the first time, this year it will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa's industrial and cultural centre.

The 2014 fair held at the Cape Town Convention Centre attracted around 8,000 visitors and firmly placed the book fair back at the centre of books and reading in South Africa. The focus of this fair will be a celebration of books, reading, writing and authors, with special attention given to current issues as well as the breadth and depth of South African and African publishing.