Belgium was named theme country for the 2013 Taipei International Book Exhibition, a decision expected to give one of Asia’s most prestigious events for bibliophiles even greater luster, according to the Taipei Book Fair Foundation July 16.
“The versatile Belgian publishing industry will help cement the Taipei book fair’s strategic position in the Chinese-speaking world, and further highlight the event’s all-encompassing products and professional services,” TBFF Chairman Wang Jung-wen said.
Belgium’s publication-based creative industry, ranging from books to comics, will spark interest across the board in Taiwan, Wang said, adding that world-renowned series such as the Smurfs and Tintin, both designed by Belgian authors, boast a strong local following.
“Taiwan can learn from Belgium, which has the second highest spending per capita on books in Europe behind Denmark, and is active in promoting reading,” he added.
The TBFF said Brussels-based Cook and Book, consistently named one of the 10 most beautiful bookstores in the world, has been invited to design the theme country’s exhibition space.
Next year’s event also sees a return of the highly successful Book Meets Film Forum, which is set to play a key role in helping more Taiwan publishers have their works reach the silver screen.
June Tsai
Taiwan Today