The Hong Kong Trade Development Council announced Monday that the 16th Hong Kong Book Fair will beheld July 20-25, offering a string of exciting new attractions.

According to the TDC, organizer of the book fair, about 400 publishers will display their books and magazines, covering subjects such as history, philosophy, technology, business, travel, religion practical skills, children's literature and others at the event.

Twelve countries will take part in the "International Cultural Village" pavilion, which will feature the latest titles from France, Denmark, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Well-known writers from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong will be speaking at a conference titled "Exploring the New Frontiers of Writing" and a series of "Renowned Author Seminars".

The Hong Kong Arts Center and the Wanchai District Council of Hong Kong have joined forces with the council to stage a series of special exhibitions. These include "Literature and Film Crossover" and "Wanchai Cultural Map" which features Wanchai's historical architecture.

The council's Assistant Executive Director Benjamin Chau pointed out that record number of visitors have been turning up to the fair year after year, reflecting the event's popularity.

"This year's fair, with its new look, is expected to be another strong crowd-puller for book-lovers," he said.

Other fair highlights include "Children's Paradise", Forum on "Chinese Literature in the 21st Century," and "Reading Summer" among others.
 
(Xinhua News Agency June 21, 2005)