Sharjah welcomes Latin America to Arab publishing market

A Sharjah Book Authority, SBA, delegation recently travelled to Sao Paulo, Brazil, to visit one of their most important literary institutions, the Brazilian Book Chamber, CBL, and discuss ways of co-operation and joint action in future initiatives that will enhance cultural exchange between the two parties.

The meeting forms part of the SBA’s efforts to boost Sharjah’s role in developing the literary and cultural prowess of the UAE and the Arab region, and to attract more Latin American publishers to the region’s markets via Sharjah Publishing City, SPC. the first-of-its-kind free zone in the Middle East for publishing businesses due to inaugurate with 320 publishers and distributors before the end of 2017.

The meeting was also an opportunity for the SBA delegation to detail Sharjah’s ongoing preparations towards its participation at the Sao Paulo International Book Fair 2018, where the emirate has been chosen as the Guest of Honour.

The meeting was led by Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA; and Rawan Dabbas, Head of International Relations at Emirates Publishers Association, EPA, alongside their Brazilian counterparts Karine Pansa, Director of CBL’s International Affairs; Louis Menezes, Manager of CBL’s International Affairs, and several CBL administrators.

Highlighting SPC’s greatest advantages, Al Ameri said, "Replete with A to Z facilities for publishers and book industry professionals, most notably low cost of raw materials including paper, ink and equipment, large printing presses that work around the clock, easy access to air and sea freight services at competitive prices, SPC is not just a great base for day-to-day operations but a centre of knowledge, and financial and economic information about the publishing market."

Al Ameri met Bruno Covas, Deputy Mayor of Sao Paulo, who welcomed Sharjah’s selection as Guest of Honour at Sao Paulo Book Fair 2018, emphasising that such efforts are key to strengthening relations.

Underlining Sharjah’s vision for its unique cultural experience, Al Ameri said, "Sharjah has afforded special attention to culture, art and literature, establishing itself as a global beacon of culture and knowledge. Our leading global cultural stature led us to be named World Book Capital 2019, an exceptional honour signalling the fruition of the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has always held scientists, intellectuals and literati in high esteem.

"We will work to introduce publishers from around the world to the world’s first publishing free zone, and we would like Brazil and other Latin American countries to be part of this unique project, ensuring their cultural and creative products can be easily fed into all Arab markets," he added.

"Having Sharjah as the Guest of Honour at next year’s Sao Paulo International Book Fair is a great privilege for us. It will be a wonderful opportunity for Brazilians to discover the rich culture and literature of the emirates, and the role of Sharjah in the cultural development of the UAE," said Luis Antonio Torelli, President of the Brazilian Book Chamber.

"We are eager to facilitate stronger collaboration between the Brazilian and Arab book markets," said Karine Pansa, highlighting the fact that efforts in this direction are already under way with their participation in each other’s upcoming book fairs.