The 49th round of the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) has witnessed a massive turnout on Friday, up to 400,000 visitors, bringing the total number to 2.5 million during the fair’s first week, according to Haitham al-Hajj, the head of the General Egyptian Book Organization. The opening also witnessed the signing of a protocol between the ministries of culture of Egypt and China, which allows Chinese publishing house to use the PDF copies of 5,000 books published by the General Egyptian Book Organisation. Hajj said that the books on religious countering of terrorism and extremism, and how to raise young people and make them capable of protecting their homeland, are the best sellers so far in the exhibition. He pointed out that The Great Upheaval (al-Fitna al-Kubra) by the late great writer Taha Hussein is the top among 10 books on religions methods to fight terrorism. Books on heritage and Islamic thought were among the top sellers, while the sale of novels and political books fell due to their increased prices this year. Sales of leisure and entertainment books were high, as well as childrens books because of offers and discounts. The exhibition is attended by many people from most regions of Egypt and many Arab writers and intellectuals are keen to attend the fairs various activities and events, which are held daily on the sidelines of the exhibition, such as seminars and art shows. This year is: "Soft Power: How?" and is witnessing the 867 publishers, including 367 Arab publishers, 9 international, 2 African publishers. The publishers are from 27 countries. This year’s edition will also hold special activities for children. A 2,000-metre platform is set for children, where their books will be displayed among other activities and initiatives for them.