The 2023 Taipei International Book Exhibition, taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 5 at Taipei World Trade Center, is spotlighting Taiwan’s growing role in the global industry.

Organized by the Taipei Book Fair Foundation under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, the 31st edition of TIBE is themed “The Multiverse of Reading” and spotlights Poland as the guest of honor country.

President Tsai Ing-wen said during her remarks at the opening ceremony that this year’s theme is fitting as it encapsulates the reading experience. It is hoped that the exhibition will facilitate cultural interchange between Taiwan and other countries.

According to Tsai, Taiwan and Poland share the universal values of freedom and democracy and have continued to enhance bilateral exchanges. The event will help the people of each country better understand the history and literature of the other side, she said.

In a prerecorded video address, Piotr Glinski, Poland’s deputy prime minister and minister for culture and national heritage, said that this year’s TIBE is providing an excellent opportunity to introduce Polish culture and literature to people in Taiwan.

Other high-profile participants included Minister of Culture Shih Che and Polish Office in Taipei Director Cyryl Kozaczewski.

First held in 1987, TIBE is the leading event of its kind in Asia and ranks among the world’s largest alongside the Frankfurt Book Fair, Bologna Children’s Book Fair and BookExpo America. More than 250,000 people attended last year.

Source: Taiwan.gov.tw