Book Fair attracts more international players
Next week's annual Book Fair will see an expansion of the international section as overseas publishers look to open up the Chinese market.
The number of countries participating in the International Cultural Village at the fair, organised by the Trade Development Council, will be increased from last year's seven to 12 this year.
It will feature at least 20 publishers from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Spain, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Fair spokesman Lawrence Yau Chung-hok said exhibitors considered the fair more than a cultural event. 'They are seeking business opportunities. They have an ambition to develop the mainland market, and they are testing out their products in Hong Kong first.'
'Instead of displaying rather highbrow books, they are bringing in classic titles and comics, hoping to tap into the local market. If these titles are successful in Hong Kong, they will try the mainland next.'
Mr Yau said the TDC would adopt a new strategy regarding book-signing sessions after the embarrassing cancellation last year by award-winning author Pierrette Fleutiaux due to a lack of interest.
'This year, instead of organising book-signing sessions, we will have meet-the-author sessions. Tickets have been distributed through consulates or related organisations,' said Mr Yau.
He said organisers hoped to attract those with an interest in and basic knowledge of foreign culture.
New partners will co-organise certain Book Fair events.
Rachel Chan Ka-yee, director for international and corporate marketing, said that the idea was inspired by the success in the spring of Entertainment Expo, which put eight different entertainment events under the same umbrella. The Wan Chai District Council is co-organising a street exhibition for New Reading Space at Wan Chai, while Book Fest is conducting seminars and study tours with celebrated writers.
Book Fest is also co-organising a new segment, Literature and Movies, featuring an exhibition of props and costumes from local titles, the Japanese animated series Initial D and Tsui Hark's sketches for his latest work, Seven Swords. A seminar on literature and movie crossovers will be held as well.
This year's event has attracted 388 exhibitors and is expected to draw half a million visitors. It will be held from July 20 to 25.
READING LIST
Some of the books being launched at the fair
The Book & The Sword
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Translator: Graham Earnshaw
Jin Yong?s classic martial arts title is translated into English for the first time
Martine
Publisher: Editions Casterman, Belgium
Author and illustrator: Gilbert Delahaye and Marul Marlier
Four stories about Martine, a child who lives to discover and learns to grow up within her family. Suitable for ages two to 11.
Hong Kong will be the first city in the world where Martine is launched in English
History of the Spanish Language
Publisher: Ariel Linguistic, Spain
Author: Rafael Cano
A complete panorama of the language?s history for students, professors and researchers
Exams Aimed at Scores
Publisher: Red Corporation Limited, Hong Kong
Author:
Advises students on how to get high marks by such unorthodox means as dropping non-essential books, recognising traps in ?easy? questions? In Chinese
Hi, I?m Alan Leong
Publisher: TOM (Cup Magazine) Publishing Limited, Hong Kong
Arthur: Alan Leong Kah-kit
Biography of the Legco member, including photos from his life and his opinions on a range of important issues. In Chinese
