Maroc - TAIWANTODAY.TW - Top News - 01/Feb 00:00

Taipei book festival draws to a close

The 33rd Taipei International Book Exhibition wrapped up Feb. 9 in the capital after attracting the second highest attendance on record, the Ministry of Culture said.   According to the MOC, the event’s six-day run saw 504 publishing firms from 29 countries and territories showcase their offerings to 570,000 visitors. A total of 1,268 writers and 896 professionals in the publishing sectors at home and abroad took part in the event, which featured 1,126 promotional events, 11 forums and a record high 2,031 copyright licensing sessions.   MOC Minister Li Yuan said at the closing ceremony that he had published 12 posts on his personal Facebook page this year to show support for the event, adding that he was deeply impressed by what he saw in his seven visits to the venue, adding that it was the MOC’s biggest aspiration to help build the expo into a global platform.   Wu Yun-yi, chairperson of TIBE organizer Taipei Book Fair Foundation, said the crowd at the venue site greatly resembled that of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. She credited the increase in young patrons to incentives such as the MOC’s Culture Points initiative.   Marco Lombardi, head of the Italian Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Office, said when he first learned of his country’s selection as the 2025 guest of honor, he did not expect to see such a huge crowd show up to the book fair. His office will keep promoting Italian culture in Taiwan, he added.   Looking toward the future, Li announced that Thailand would be the theme country for 2026. Duangporn Sudthisomboo said on behalf of the Thai publishing sector that it is a great honor and thanked Taiwan for its recognition of Thai literature and culture. She said her country is ready to bring a variety of literary works to TIBE next year. (SFC-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw