Dr. Abdel Aziz Qanswa, Egypt's Higher Education Minister and Acting 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 Cairo International Book Fair is a prominent cultural and intellectual event in the Middle East and the second-largest book fair globally.
The meeting emphasized the importance of developing the digital services for the public and attendees. Dr. Qanswa highlighted that the Cairo International Book Fair represents Egypt's soft power and historical significance. He also stressed the vital role of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's support for the cultural sector in achieving a successful event. The minister urged the committee to work diligently to ensure a well-organized and impactful event.
The Supreme Committee discussed the reorganization of the executive committees responsible for the book fair's logistics and management. Dr. Qanswa pointed out that the Ministry of Culture is the primary organizer of the event, which is owned by the Egyptian state. The committee agreed on the importance of including specialists in various fields to enhance the event's efficiency and organization.
Qatar has been chosen as the guest of honor for the 58th Cairo International Book Fair. This decision aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote intellectual exchange between Egypt and Qatar. The committee praised this choice, recognizing its potential to foster cooperation and understanding between the two nations.
The meeting reviewed plans to develop the "Smart Fair" system, which aims to improve the experience for visitors and publishers. This includes providing electronic guidance, facilitating direct purchasing, and creating platforms for tracking sales. The committee agreed on the importance of launching advanced features for the "Publishers' Platform" to register participants and allocate spaces.
The committee discussed ways to expand the economic and professional services offered at the book fair, going beyond simple sales to creating a comprehensive market for intellectual property, translation, and publishing rights. They also explored means to maximize the benefits of the fair's professional program and allocate specific days and times for professionals to propose ideas and establish partnerships.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on national interest and coordination of efforts to deliver an exceptional event. The committee agreed to apply the approved visions and initiatives during the upcoming fair and to monitor the implementation of the planned activities. Key points include:
Key points
- The 58th Cairo International Book Fair is scheduled to take place in 2027.
- Qatar is the guest of honor for the 58th Cairo International Book Fair.
- The event aims to provide a comprehensive platform for intellectual exchange, cultural development, and professional networking.
