I was delighted to find this particular Libya publishing story to report on over this Easter break when, for those who need reminding, the global publishing industry caries on regardless of our western holiday breaks.

While Arabic publishing has become the new black in some industry circles, the narrative is inevitably focussed on the larger players in the Arab world, while countries like Libya are overshadowed.

So I was delighted to find this particular Libya publishing story to report on over this Easter break when, for those who need reminding, the global publishing industry carries on regardless of our western holiday breaks.

A strategic partnership has been signed between the Tripoli International Library and Morocco’s Dar Al Thaqafa for Publishing and Distribution. This collaboration marks a milestone in cultural cooperation between the two nations, promising to expand the horizons of publishing and distribution while fostering creative dialogue across borders.

Yeah, I know, Press-release-speak, of course. But the story is important.

The Partnership Agreement

The agreement, signed by Ms. Fatima Haqiq, Director of the Tripoli International Library, and Mr. Hisham Al Qadiri, Director General of Dar Al Thaqafa, establishes a framework for mutual exchange:

Exclusive Distribution: The Tripoli International Library will distribute Dar Al Thaqafa’s publications within Libya, while Dar Al Thaqafa will represent and distribute Tripoli Library’s works in Morocco.

Representation at Events: Dar Al Thaqafa will showcase Libyan publications at exhibitions and cultural events in Morocco, broadening their reach and visibility.

For me, this is a great example of a more-developed publishing market assisting one which has had more than its fair share of troubles in recent years.

Dar Al Thaqafa: A Pillar of Moroccan Publishing

Dar Al Thaqafa, one of Morocco’s oldest publishing houses, has long been a cornerstone of the Arab literary scene. The institution has maintained an active presence at international exhibitions and literary events. Its partnership with the Tripoli International Library underscores its dedication to fostering regional cooperation and advancing the publishing industry in the Maghreb.

A Vision for the Maghreb Region

Both Ms. Haqiq and Mr. Al Qadiri emphasised the transformative potential of this partnership. Ms. Haqiq described it as a “qualitative shift” in cultural cooperation, while Mr. Al Qadiri highlighted the mutual trust and shared vision driving the initiative. By expanding readership and facilitating the flow of books and publications, the agreement aims to strengthen the publishing industry across the Maghreb region.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.