Linden Lin, chairman of the Taipei Book Fair Foundation, told a press conference Jan. 19 that despite the economic downturn, the annual exhibition continues to draw hundreds of foreign and local publishing companies and book dealers. A record high of 320 local and 578 foreign publishers from 39 countries are expected to set up 2,000 booths at the fair.
The booths will be laid out in three exhibition halls at the Taipei World Trade Center, focusing on literature from various countries, anime and comics, and children's books and stationary.
This year's guest of honor will be Thailand and the six-day fair will not only introduce Thai culture and literature, but also the latest developments of the country's publishing industry. The exhibition will also showcase 100 bestsellers from the country and every work that was given a Southeast Asian Writers Award since 1979. Traditional Thai puppet performances and cuisine shows will also be part of the event.
Lin added that the German pavilion will focus on the 21st century literature, while the French section will feature children's books and works by popular illustrators. The United States, a first-time participant, will design its pavilion on the theme of digital content.
Famous Thai writers Chart Kobjitti, Phra Maha Wudhijaya Vajiramedhi and Tawara Siripipat, along with German writers Juli Zeh and Jan Bšttcher, have been invited to join the fair as special guests, pointed out Lin.
"This year's event will be more diverse than in the past and feature some unprecedented promotions and activities," Lin said. He added that with an eye to winning a share of the consumer voucher pie, around 150 publishers have joined together to offer up to 40-percent discounts to visitors who make their purchases using the vouchers distributed by the government Jan. 18.
In addition, visitors traveling to Taipei from southern Taiwan by highspeed rail will be granted free admission after exchanging their tickets for an entry voucher at the exhibition's information desks.
"An average of 400,000 visitors attend the event every year. With steep discounts and all kinds of promotions, we expect this year's attendance to grow by 20 percent," stated Lin.
Write to Ellen Ko at ellenko@mail.gio.gov.tw