The Director of the London Book Fair has Called for Increased Cultural Exchange

Director of London Book Fair advocates for enhanced cultural exchange amid rising Chinese participation, fostering global literary connections.

on Mar 14, 2024

The Director of the London Book Fair has Called for Increased Cultural Exchange | Frontlist

"We are thrilled to see a rise in participation from China this year. In an interview with Xinhua, Rapley said that he hopes this year would serve as a foundation for future Chinese involvement at the London Book Fair.

London, March 13 (Xinhua) The director of the London Book Fair (LBF) stated this week that cultural interchange is especially crucial amid uncertain times, and books help bridge the gap between different civilizations.

Gareth Rapley said he is "delighted" to see a surge in participation by Chinese publishers at the LBF following COVID, displaying a diverse range of talent from China.

London Book Fair 2024, one of the world's largest, began on Tuesday. The three-day event, which debuted in 1971, is expected to draw more than 30,000 publishing professionals and 1,000 organisations from around the world.

This year, over 50 Chinese publishers are displaying more than 3,200 different types of Chinese-themed books, spanning a wide range of topics including politics, culture, academic works, and trending issues such as low-carbon and artificial intelligence (AI).

"I think books provide a platform for literacy skills, education, understanding, and helping to create dialogue (between different cultures)," stated the executive director of the LBF.
Rapley has visited China's two largest cities, Beijing and Shanghai, and stated he was pleased by the Chinese people's hospitality, rapid infrastructural development, and the country's rich culture and history.

"It's a beautiful country and I'm looking forward to coming back this summer for the Beijing International Book Fair," he added.
According to Rapley, China and Britain have a "great trade relationship," particularly in the publishing industry.

"I believe that cultural interchange and discussion, as demonstrated over many centuries, are crucial factors. As people, we are all unique, both between countries and inside our own, therefore cultural exchange is a vital aspect of creating relationships and raising awareness," he stated.

Rapley spoke on AI, which poses both a challenge and an opportunity for the publishing industry, stating that it is "an existential threat" to creative content and writers across genres. He emphasised the importance of protecting copyright through the fair use of new technologies, while also noting that AI technology may improve data, businesses, and processes.