Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Abdel Aziz Qansua, acting as Minister of Culture, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Committee for the 58th Cairo International Book Fair, set to take place in 2027. The meeting aimed to review preparations for the upcoming event and gather suggestions for its development. The fair is a significant cultural and intellectual event in the Middle East, attracting over 6 million visitors annually.
During the meeting, Dr. Qansua emphasized the importance of the book fair as a cultural and historical phenomenon that showcases Egypt's soft power. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive development plan to enhance the experience of visitors and publishers. The minister also stressed the significance of the President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's support for the cultural sector, which has enabled the ministry to plan for an exceptional event.
The meeting discussed several key aspects, including the selection of Qatar as the guest of honor for the 58th edition. This decision was seen as an opportunity to strengthen cultural ties and promote intellectual exchange between Egypt and Qatar. The committee also reviewed plans to develop a smart exhibition system, which aims to provide a digital experience for visitors and publishers.
The smart exhibition system, dubbed "the smart exhibition," will offer various services, including electronic guidance and counseling, direct purchasing, and sales tracking. The system will also provide a platform for publishers to showcase their work and connect with readers. The committee agreed on the importance of launching the system's features in the coming days to allow publishers to register and secure their spaces.
The meeting also focused on expanding the fair's economic and professional services, including the creation of a market for intellectual property rights, translation, and publishing. The committee discussed ways to enhance the professional program, which will include dedicated days and times for professionals to network and discuss ideas.
The committee also agreed on the importance of reviving the "publisher's corner" for small publishers, which will provide a platform for them to showcase their work. Additionally, the meeting touched on the need to update marketing plans and attract sponsors and partners through corporate social responsibility programs.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to work intensively to finalize plans and ensure the success of the 58th Cairo International Book Fair. The committee agreed to apply the approved visions and initiatives during this edition, while postponing some organizational points to future editions to ensure adherence to the set timeline.
Key points
- The 58th Cairo International Book Fair will feature Qatar as the guest of honor and will introduce a smart exhibition system to enhance the experience of visitors and publishers.
