The 2018 Taipei International Book Exhibition kicked off Feb. 6 at Taipei World Trade Center, spotlighting the creativity of Taiwan’s publishing sector as well as the latest industry trends from around the world.
 
Running until Feb. 11, the exhibition is themed Age of Reading and features 684 publishers from 60 countries and territories, with attendance figures estimated to reach up to 600,000, according to organizer Taipei Book Fair Foundation. This year’s TIBE also highlights Israel as its focus nation through over 200 publications in English, Hebrew and simplified and traditional Chinese, a time tunnel on the history of the Middle Eastern country and virtual reality showcases of its natural landscapes.
 
President Tsai Ing-wen said in her opening remarks that TIBE has grown into the most important book fair in Asia, underscoring Taiwan’s status as a regional powerhouse in cultural and creative industries.
 
According to Tsai, Taiwan treasures knowledge and is committed to fostering open discussions. The country’s free and democratic society is the result of concerted efforts by past generations and provides a nurturing environment for events like TIBE, she added.
 
In addition to promoting knowledge and reading, TIBE serves as a platform for boosting international exchanges, Tsai said, citing Taiwan’s role as the theme country at the upcoming Bangkok International Book Fair 2018.
 
Echoing the president’s remarks, Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun said reading offers a window into other societies, allowing people to transcend the boundaries and perceptions of their everyday lives. Taiwan’s proud literary heritage has played a crucial role in the nation’s development and continues to provide essential cultural nourishment, she added.
 
The 2018 TIBE consists of 10 major exhibition pavilions as well as book launches, over 500 readings, and forums on topics including Asian markets, children’s books, digital publishing and publication design.
 
TIBE is also continuing its collaboration with Germany’s Frankfurt Book Fair through the Frankfurt Academy Training Program. Launched in 2014, the initiative introduces local publishers to the latest innovations and marketing strategies across such areas as international copyrights and digital publishing, according to the organizer. (SFC-E)