The Algeria International Book Fair has reopened its doors after two years of absence, as its 25th edition kicked off on Thursday, but at an unusual date.
Algerian prime minister Ayman bin Abdulrahman opened the International Book Fair “sila 2022” in the presence of a number of ministers and diplomats accredited in Algeria.
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The exhibition will see the participation of more than 35 countries, with Italy as the guest of honor, and the events will continue until April 1, under the theme “the book bridge of memory”.
The exhibition will be held in its usual place in the” palace of exhibitions”, with the participation of 1250 publishing houses, including 266 Algerian, and more than 300 thousand titles in various disciplines, as announced by the organizing committee. The Algerian authorities cancelled the International Book Fair in the last two years due to the outbreak of the corona pandemic in the country. This is the first time that the exhibition will be held in March, after it was held at the end of October each year, while Algeria did not disclose the reason for the presentation by about 6 months from the usual date.
Motivational exemption : For the first time, Algerian authorities have decided to exempt all Algerian and foreign publishing houses from the costs of renting pavilions, a measure that the Algerian presidency has previously said is aimed at encouraging publishers to participate strongly.
The cultural program of the exhibition will witness the holding of many events, including round tables on literature, the repercussions of the corona pandemic, and historical seminars to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Victory Day. The fair’s management expected the number of visitors to exceed the threshold of two million visitors.
Italy guest of Honor : This time, Algeria chose Italy as the guest of honor for the 25th edition of the exhibition.
The fair’s management stressed that the choice of Italy “is a decision considered with great care because of the close relations between the two countries strategically, politically, economically, historically and culturally, especially since Italy supported the Algerian cause during the liberation revolution (1954-1962)”. She also noted Italy’s exceptional cultural heritage, contemporary literature and various contributions, making them favourable elements for its active and successful participation in the exhibition.
Translated by Hope from https://al-ain.com/article/algeria-book-fair-publishing-houses
