The 2022 Taipei International Book Exhibition, taking place June 2-7 at Taipei World Trade Center, is showcasing Taiwan’s vibrant publishing sector and the country’s growing role in the global industry.
Organized by the Taipei Book Fair Foundation under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, the 30th edition of TIBE is themed “Reading and Publishing Beyond the Pandemic” and comprises six pavilions and two exhibition areas.
Deputy Culture Minister Lee Ching-hwi said during a press preview a day earlier that this year’s event will highlight the diverse publishing sector in France, which has been chosen as the theme country for the fourth time. Another spotlight will be on Ukraine, she said, adding that the dedicated exhibition will give participants a better understanding of how culture and publications have helped shape the East European country’s national identity.
According to David Kibler, head of the French Office in Taipei’s Culture, Education and Science Section, about 2,000 books from 80 publishers in France will be displayed at the country’s national pavilion. These are complemented by three special exhibits featuring audio recordings of masterpieces written by Marcel Proust, original works of comic artist Emmanuel Lepage and manuscripts from other famous French authors, he added.
The Ukraine exhibition area will show 15 selected works by Ukrainian illustrators, as well as novels, nonfiction pieces and picture books that have been translated into Chinese and German, according to Valentina Butenko, an international market development executive at online bookstore Yakaboo.
Taiwan and Ukraine share belief in the universal values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, Butenko said, adding that it is hoped that the event will help convey Ukraine’s courage in the face of Russian aggression to the people of Taiwan.
TIBE is the largest event of its kind in Asia and the world’s fourth largest, following the Frankfurt Book Fair, Bologna Children’s Book Fair and BookExpo America. Its three primary purposes are to promote copyright trading, international exchange and reading culture. (YCH-E)
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