The 11th Cambodia Book Fair officially kicked off yesterday at Koh Pich Exhibition Centre, running through to Sunday. Featuring nearly 300 book stalls, the fair has drawn hundreds of publishers and authors showcasing and selling books of various genres for all age groups.
Visitors are also receiving complimentary leadership-themed books as part of the event’s highlights.
Held under the theme “Readers Are Lifelong Learners,” this four-day event is anticipated to attract over 200,000 visitors, according to the Cambodia Book Fair Committee.
The opening ceremony, held yesterday, saw the participation of key government figures, including Hang Chuon Naron, the Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport, and Phoeurng Sackona, the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, alongside development partners and stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Naron emphasised the fair’s role to promote Cambodian authors and foster a culture of reading. He highlighted the fair’s growth since its inception, with visitor numbers surging from 1,000 in 2011 to over 200,000 last year.
“Writing and publishing books reflect a nation’s socio-economic development. Without writing and publishing, the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next would not be possible,” said Naron.
He noted the importance of books in creating a knowledgeable society, stating, “Without books, there are no readers, and without readers, there is no knowledge.”
The Minister also praised the literary achievements of Cambodian authors from the 1950s and 1960s, whose works have become part of the national curriculum. Iconic classics such as “Kolap Pailin,” “Pka Srapoun,” and “Mealea Duong Chet” were cited as exemplary contributions to Cambodian literature.
Sackona reiterated the significance of the Cambodia Book Fair in supporting authors, researchers, and publishers. She commended their dedication to educating and enriching Cambodian culture through literature.
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