The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.
SHARJAH/WAM
The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) is participating in the Beijing International Book Fair 2024 in a bid to support Emirati publishers in exploring the trends of the Chinese publishing market and understanding the aspirations of readers in this ancient country.
Taking place from the 19th to 23rd June, the event attracts more than 2,600 exhibitors from 100 countries annually and focuses on innovation and digital technology, embracing new trends such as e-books, audiobooks, and multimedia content.
The association’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting Emirati publishers and advancing the publishing industry in the United Arab Emirates. This initiative aligns with the vision and directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder and honorary president of the Emirates Publishers Association.
As part of its ongoing efforts to provide global expansion opportunities for its members, the EPA has successfully secured sponsorship from the Beijing International Book Fair for three of its members through the SME sponsorship programme.
This programme, which supports small publishers worldwide, is offering a unique opportunity to thirty publishers globally, including three Emirati publishers. The selected publishers are benefiting from a sponsored pavilion, training courses, and networking opportunities to expand their businesses both in China and internationally.
Publisher Mohammed Bindekhain, member of the EPA board and treasurer, and director of Altakhayol Publishing House, highlighted that participating in the exhibition reflects the UAE’s openness to diverse cultures and civilisations. He emphasised the association’s dedication to strengthening cultural cooperation and exchange between China and the UAE, and to leveraging China’s pioneering experience in publishing and knowledge production.
He said, “The book fair provides an opportunity to strengthen ties with international organisations and institutions in the publishing sector. It also serves as a platform to promote Emirati publishers and open horizons for forming partnerships to exchange publishing and translation rights through organised sessions with international publishers.”