A book featuring the story of a Chinese entrepreneur made its debut at BookExpo America on May 29 as the annual gala of the publishing industry kicked off in New York City.

The English-language book, Work Is Life - How to Perform to the Best of Your Ability, tells how Che Jianxin, also the author of the book, fought his way from a village carpenter to the chairman and CEO of the Red Star Macalline Group, a leading furniture retail chain in China.

The launch of the book also marked the inauguration of the global promotion of the Chinese Entrepreneurs Series books, co-published by the China National Publications Import and Export Corporation and the New York-based Pace University Press.

"We hope Che's work will be an inspiration to people from all walks of life," said Manuela Soares, the director of the Pace University Press, at the launch ceremony.

"His philosophy that people striving to be successful in business can use this opportunity not just for material wealth, but an opportunity to cultivate oneself and to progress spiritually, is a message much needed in today's world."

Huang Ping, the Chinese consul general in New York, lauded Chinese entrepreneurs as trailblazers and pioneers in China's economic and trade cooperation with the rest of the world.

"The 40-year journey of Chinese entrepreneurs is a window on our hardworking people, on our reform and opening-up, and on the stories of these visionaries who have grown to find their place in the global economy and made their own contribution to globalization," says Huang.

The diplomat also adds that the book series will help American readers better understand what has been going on in China during the past four decades, calling for more communication and cooperation between China and the United States.

BookExpo America, one of the largest book events in North America, ran from May 29 to 31 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and attracted some 500 exhibitors from both the US and internationally, according to organizers.

Xinhua