**********************************************************
Visitors to the London Book Fair this week (April 16 to 18, London time) have the opportunity to learn about Hong Kong's achievements in the 15 years since its reunification in 1997. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) took part in the London Book Fair for the first time, as part of a Hong Kong Pavilion created jointly with the Hong Kong Publishing Federation and the Hong Kong Printers Association with sponsorship from Create Hong Kong. This year the market focus country for the London Book Fair is China.
The HKSARG stand celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the HKSARG with a photo exhibition showcasing the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" and the Basic Law. The Hong Kong publishing industry created a special stand titled "Soaring Creativity - Hong Kong Publishers and Printers at London Book Fair", showing some of the most fascinating examples of the ingenuity and creativity of Hong Kong's publishing and printing companies.
The HKSARG stand also included a mock-up of a Hong Kong street tram that people could walk inside and have a photo taken looking out of a window.
The opening of the Hong Kong pavilion was officiated by Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, Mrs Agnes Allcock; Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Hong Kong Printers Association, Mr K C Chiu; and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Hong Kong Pavilion, Mr Elvin Lee. Minister of the General Administration of Press and Publication of the People's Republic of China, Mr Liu Bin Jie, and Director of the London Book Fair, Mr Alistair Burtenshaw, attended the ceremony as the guests of honour.
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the Hong Kong Pavilion, Mrs Allcock said, "The HKSARG is specially organising the photo exhibition at the London Book Fair this year to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover, hoping to showcase to the world the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" and the Basic Law, which preserved Hong Kong's economic prosperity and social stability, through the support of the Central People's Government and the concerted efforts of Hong Kong people."
"The market focus of this year's London Book Fair is China. Hong Kong, as a special administrative region of China, is participating actively in this yearˇ¦s Book Fair, both to show our support and to showcase Hong Kong's thriving publishing industry."
Mr Elvin Lee said, "This is the fourth stop for the Hong Kong Pavilion to be set up at international book fairs, we have previously participated in Beijing International Book Fair, Frankfurt Book Fair, and Taipei International Book Exhibition, gaining valuable experiences and feedback. The London Book Fair is one of the most significant international exhibitions for publishers and printers, attracting the participation of over 1,500 publishers and 24,500 industry professionals around the world last year. We think that is an ideal platform for publishers and printers from Hong Kong to promote business opportunities overseas. Coincidentally, the market focus of London Book Fair this year is China, and China has organised a great team of industry professionals to participate in the book fair, as a significant part of China, it is especially meaningful for Hong Kong to take part in this international event."
Mr K C Chiu said, "Publishing and printing make up an important part of Hong Kong's creative industries, and they are the best platform for presenting creativity. Through the outstanding printing craft and quality service provided by Hong Kong printers, new creative ideas can be vividly presented, forming an added-value space for different industries connected by the link of cultural creative industry. Hong Kongˇ¦s printers have aligned with the international market since the 1960's and 70's, forming excellent relationship with the international clientele through their quality services and reputation. It is the bridge that helps creative industries of both Hong Kong and China to enter the world."
The London Book Fair rubs from April 16 (Monday) to April 18 (Wednesday) at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London.
Ends/Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Issued at HKT 10:08
NNNN
