Hong Kong Book Fair kicks off, bigger than ever
Event’s organiser defends commercial focus as necessary
One of the largest book fairs in Asia is due to kick off on Wednesday with a record number of exhibitors, but the rainy weather may dampen attendance figures.
The Hong Kong Book Fair’s organiser still expects about 1 million visitors, similar to last year’s turnout.
“I think the rain will not put out the Hong Kong people’s passion for reading,” said Benjamin Chau Kai-leung, deputy executive director of the Trade Development Council, which organises the fair at the convention centre, in Wan Chai. But the venue will close to the public if there is a typhoon signal of No 8 or above.
The annual event, running from Wednesday to July 25, has attracted 670 exhibitors from 37 countries, up 4.7 per cent on last year. There will be 320 cultural activities including talks and forums.
Notable speakers will include Liu Xiaoqing, a renowned mainland Chinese actress, and Zhou Meisen, scriptwriter on anti-corruption-themed TV series In the Name of the People, which took the mainland by storm earlier this year.