Tom Allen, president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers, delivers a speech during the opening ceremony.[Photo/Xinhua]

"We hope the three-day event could enhance bilateral cooperation in the area of publishing and translation, and add impetus to bilateral relations and people-to-people exchange and friendship," said Wu, who is heading a large Chinese delegation with nearly 500 members.

"Congratulations to Book Expo America and to their Global Market Forum Guest of Honor, the People's Republic of China," wrote Dr. Henry Kissinger, former U.S. secretary of state, in a congratulatory message read out at the opening ceremony.