Kathmandu,29 Jan 2015: The second ‘National Book Fair’ commenced here at the National Academy spurred on with an aim of promoting reading culture.
Minister of Industry Mahesh Basnet inaugurated the fair organized by the Nepal National Book Distributors and Publishers Association with support from the Nepal Academy on Thursday.
Minister Basnet said the country’s trade deficit could be minimized if quality books addressing the readers’ interest could be produced and sold in the international niche market.
The Academy’s Chancellor Ganga Prasad Upreti emphasized that the fair would provide a good platform for a tête-à -têtes between publishers, authors and readers. Upreti said the fair would also contribute in developing reading culture among the people.
Dr Jibendra Dev Giri, Member Secretary at the Academy, said many old books and publications stocked up at the organization would be put on sale.
Association’s Chairman Basanta Thapa underscored the need for giving recognition to book publication as a national industry citing good possibilities in the sector. Thapa called for facilitating concession in the customs duty to make the country self-dependent in the sector.
The fair to last until February 28 will be open from 10 am to 5 pm every day.The fair will see a range of programmes including book releases, interaction with authors, writing workshop, painting, satirical and comical dramas.
The organizers will also be offering attractive discounts in books on the occasion.
Source:RSS
