Opinions & Interviews

The greeting reads that books have always occupied an important place in human lives at all times. Books gave inspiration and hope, represented a source of knowledge and kindness. “Today in the age of high technologies books remain a teacher and a reliable advisor, provide invaluable aid in labor and in leisure. In the last twenty years the Belarusian book printing industry has advanced far. Belarusian books cover a wide variety of themes, genres and boast original looks,” reads the greeting by the Belarusian head of state.

“I am convinced that in the Year of Hospitality the international book fair will open new prospects for cultural and business cooperation, will become a reliable guideline on the book market,” reads the greeting. The Belarusian leader wished successful work and unforgettable experiences to the book forum participants and interesting revelations to all the book lovers.

The book fair gathered over 600 exhibitors from over 20 countries. No guests of honor are represented this year. The organizers have decided that Belarus should showcase its achievements in the book industry as widely as possible while allowing every country to do the same.

This year’s Minsk Book Fair features a wide variety of publishing projects. Apart from book presentations, meetings with authors, publishers, and artists the fair will feature a session of the council of organizers of book exhibitions and fairs held in the Commonwealth of Independent States and the council of heads of book chambers of the CIS states. A seminar dedicated to practical aspects of the new law on publishing business in the Republic of Belarus will also be held.

The 21^st Minsk Book Fair will last till 9 February. The event has been organized by the Belarusian Information Ministry and the companies OAO Belkniga and PK OOO Makbel.