The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) met with representatives of book publishers’ associations from the Philippines and Singapore at the 30thedition of Hong Kong Book Fair (HKBF) and discussed ways to mutually promote the publishing movement in the countries.
EPA’s debut participation inHKBF, which runs till July 23 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, was facilitated by the UAE Consulate General in Hong Kong, which invited the entity to be a part of its cultural activities at the fair to showcase the UAE publishing industry and the Emirati book culture.
As part of its efforts to strengthen its relations with international peers, EPA hosted at the pavilion a series of meetings with representatives from various cultural entities in Hong Kong as well Chinese publishing companies, to explore ways to expand bilateral collaboration in all cultural fields.
Her Excellency Nabila Al Shamsi, Consul General of the UAE in Hong Kong, visited the pavilion and met with EPA representatives who expressed their gratitude for the invitation to participate in the book fair. She discussed with the delegation the ways the consulate could collaborate with the EPA in strengthening ties between UAE and Hong Kong-based publishers.
HE Nabila Al Shamsi affirmed the strong bilateral ties between the UAE and Hong Kong in areas of mutual interest to both parties, especially in the economic and cultural fields that are built on a strong foundation of bilateral cooperation.
She said: “We are delighted to have the EPA taking part in the book fair, which is a reflection of the UAE‘s keenness to strengthen cultural cooperation to achieve common interests and nurture respect and tolerance, and open constructive dialogues with cultures of the world.”
She added: “Literature and culture are the best means to build and strengthen sustainable relationships. Therefore, we are keen on inviting the EPA to take part in various international cultural events. Through literature, publishers share their own culture and history with other nations and carry back other nation’s history and culture and introduce it in their home country.”
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, expressed his gratitude for the invitation, and thanked the Consul General for her visit. He said it reflected the role played by embassies and consulates in showcasing Emirati culture at literary and cultural events around the world.
He added: “EPA’s participation at the Hong Kong Book Fair is part of its mission to advance the literary movement and boost cooperation between the UAE publishers with their counterparts around the world. EPA’s participation in international literary and cultural events and book fairs has contributed to the UAE establishing itself as a force on the literary and cultural international scene.”
Founded in 2009, EPA serves and develops the local publishing sector and advances the role of Emirati publishers through training and mentoring programmes. EPA represents the interests of professionals in the UAE’s publishing industry and works in cooperation with competent authorities in the UAE and beyond.