The Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair has quickly risen to be the pre-eminent children’s books event in Asia, and this year welcomed the Emirates Publishers Association in an official capacity for the first time (although its third attendance).
In a press release marking the official debut it was announced that the Emirates Publishing association (EPA) had held,
a series of meetings with leading Chinese publishing houses to explore avenues of cooperation in translation, printing, distribution and copyrights, and identify key opportunities available for Chinese publishers in the UAE’s book market.
EPA sponsored the participation of two UAE publishers at the book fair, to achieve the organisation’s vision of facilitating the entry of UAE publishers into global markets.
Kalimat Group (KG), publisher of over 400 books, held meetings with several publishers from China and the Asia-Pacific region to discuss avenues of cooperation and expansion in these vibrant markets keen on new content.
Dragon Publishing and Distribution marked its debut at the event with the launch of four science and science fiction books translated from Chinese into Arabic. (These included) Laughing Cat Diary, a bestselling short-story collection that sold 70 million copies across China.
EPA Executive Director Rashid Al Kous said,
We seek to give Emirati publishers access to broader horizons, enabling them to enhance their presence, exchange their expertise with international publishers and further enhance cooperation with renowned publishing institutions. We also aim to promote the consistent growth of the UAE’s book market, and the valuable opportunities it offers to make it a hub for books, creativity and intellectual products in the Middle East and the world.
Read more at UAE News 24-7
