On October 12, the first batch of books from the China-Nepal and China-Cambodia classic work translation and publishing project was officially signed in Chengdu, as part of the important activities associated with the 2024 Tianfu Book Fair.
This signing marks a significant advancement in the “Asian Classic Works Translation Program.” The initial collection of translated books spans various fields, including politics, history, philosophy, and literature. In the China-Nepal project, there are 26 titles, such as “The Trajectory of History: Why the Chinese Communist Party Can,” “70 Years of New China,” “A Concise History of Nepal,” “The Artist Anigo,” and “The Himalayas, Sherpas, and the Yeti.” The China-Cambodia project includes 12 titles, including “The Trajectory of History: Why the Chinese Communist Party Can?,” “Deep Love Through Knowledge,” “The Essential Road of Cambodia,” and “The New Sun Rising from the Old Land.”
The launch ceremony for the first batch of translated books began at the main venue of the 2024 Tianfu Book Fair. Bhupal Rai, the Dean of the Nepal Academy and Chair of the Nepalese Translation Committee, emphasized the long-standing historical ties between Nepal and China. However, he noted that cultural exchange has been limited due to geographical barriers and language differences. Rai expressed that the Nepal Academy aims to focus efforts on translation projects between the two nations, contributing significantly to linguistic, literary, and cultural exchange.
Li Yan, Chair of the Chinese Translation Committee and former General Manager of China Publishing Media Co., expressed hopes that the China-Nepal translation project would serve as a cultural window between the two countries. He stressed the importance of this initiative in fostering talent in translation, enhancing cultural and tourism cooperation, and boosting economic ties. Li also expressed aspirations to incorporate more outstanding works into the translation program, making classic literature a convenient pathway for mutual understanding between the peoples of China and Nepal, particularly for young people to learn about each other’s history, culture, and contemporary lives, thus promoting the idea of a “community of shared human destiny.”
At the subsequent signing ceremony for the China-Cambodia classic works translation project, Sok Touch, President of the Royal Academy of Cambodia and Chair of the Cambodian Translation Committee, highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between Cambodia and China. Over more than a thousand years, Cambodian culture has been significantly influenced by Chinese civilization, leading to a general familiarity among the Cambodian populace towards China. He noted that the translation program would provide an opportunity for people from both countries to engage with each other’s distinguished works and for more Chinese friends to discover the ancient splendor of Angkor civilization and the rapidly evolving contemporary Cambodia.
Li Pengyi, Chair of the Chinese Translation Committee and Vice Chairman of the China Publishing Association, pointed out that the translation project involves meticulous planning at every stage, from international liaison and contract signing to expert selection and book curation, and from editing and publication to promotion. He remarked that the “Asian Classic Works Translation Program” builds a cultural exchange bridge between the two nations, enabling both to transcend civilizational barriers, conflicts, and superiority through civilized dialogue and mutual learning.
