Four African countries will take part for the first time in the Cairo International Book Fair, which will start on 28 January, according to Ahmed Megahed, head of the General Egyptian Book Organization.
The countries are Somalia, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia, in addition to several foreign countries like Italy, Russia and Azerbaijan as well as 14 publishers from India.
In a press conference on details related to the fair on Tuesday, Megahed said that no countries were banned or refused from taking part including Qatar and Turkey, adding that some countries did not request participation.
The fair is not just a cultural activity, but one that represents Egypt, Megahed said, adding that this year will see participation of large number of foreign and Arab publishers as well as writers especially after state of stability witnessed in Egypt.
The 46th session of the fair, which will end on 12 February, will hold the slogan of culture and renovation. The main focus is renovating the religious discourse, he added. Saudi Arabia will be the guest of honor of the fair, which will include 48 pavilions, marking an increase of 12 pavilions from last year’s fair.
Megahed denied increase in the entrance tickets of the fair that is expected to be opened by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Megahed also declared launching several cultural campaigns like “Book is your gift” campaign to change Egyptians’ understanding to the gift that could be presented on occasions, in addition to another campaign called “Delivery Book” to deliver books issued by the organization to Egyptians nationwide as well as “Am Amin” electronic application that will be available for smart phones providing database of the fair, books included, its places, publishing houses and map for the fair.
A special pavilion will be allocated for Culture Ministry at which all books at the organization’s stocks will be available at lowest prices with 75 percent discount, according to Megahed.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
