SAO PAULO-Sao Paulo kicked off its 25th biannual international book fair with a stand dedicated to Chinese literature and culture on Aug 3.

The fair, which runs through Aug 12, showcases foreign and Brazilian authors, and offers 1,500 hours of cultural activities, debates, seminars and book launches.

The stand that drew the most attention on the fair's opening day was China Book, where Chinese books were on display.

"The fair can be an opportunity for exchanges between the two countries to better understand Latin America and Brazil, and for them to understand China's editorial production in general," says Yu Yang, head of the Chinese delegation to the fair and editor of the People's Publishing House.

"Brazilians have shown an interest in China's culture and economy," Yu says.

Books on Chinese culture are in demand, since the country's evolution as a global power is feeding a demand for books on its political and economic development, he says.

China is Brazil's leading trade partner, and both belong to the BRICS bloc of emerging economies, along with Russia, India and South Africa, which helps to promote literary exchanges, Yu says.

"Being part of BRICS helps Brazil and China. And literature, history and reading in general can help countries develop closer ties," Yu adds.

A total of eight Chinese publishing houses are exhibiting 200 kinds of books, 50 of which are written in Portuguese or English.

Luis Torelli, president of the Brazilian Book Chamber, says the fair is taking place at a tough time for the publishing industry due to economic uncertainties. And this year's fair features 197 exhibitors, 83 fewer than in 2016.

Among the special guests at the event were British author A.J. Finn, whose best-selling The Woman in the Window is being adapted into a feature film, and Victoria Aveyard, the US author of the Red Queen series.