At 2:30 pm on October 16 (local time), the Vietnam Pavilion at the Frankfurt Book Fair officially opened, showcasing the country's rich literary and cultural heritage.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Nguyen Thanh Lam, expressed his honor in representing Vietnam’s publishing sector and welcoming readers to explore the nation’s cultural and intellectual space.

Deputy Minister Lam highlighted that Vietnam, with its thousands of years of history and culture, has had a long tradition of bookmaking dating back to the 15th century. Today, Vietnam boasts a dynamic and promising publishing industry, with over 40,000 book titles and nearly 600 million copies produced annually. This not only reflects the country’s deep cultural roots but also serves as a vivid testament to the rights of expression, creative freedom, and human rights.

He noted that Vietnam’s pavilion showcases more than 1,000 notable publications covering politics, economics, culture, science, and technology, as well as the latest achievements in the digital transformation of the publishing industry.

“Our goal is not only to present books but to use this as a bridge connecting Vietnam’s culture with the world. We hope that through every page, readers will find inspiring stories, profound messages of peace, prosperity, and development, and the unique beauty of Vietnam’s culture - one that respects the cultural spirit and identity of other nations,” Deputy Minister Lam emphasized.

During the 2024 Frankfurt Book Fair, the Vietnamese delegation will engage in several key promotional activities, including discussions with the leadership of the Frankfurt Book Fair Center to sign a memorandum of understanding, with the aim of making Vietnam the guest of honor in 2028. Additionally, meetings with the publishing associations of Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and others will take place.

Topics to be discussed at the 2024 Frankfurt Book Fair:

AI’s Threat to Creativity and Publishing: The rapid development of artificial intelligence presents significant challenges for the publishing and literary creation industries. Experts and authors at the fair will discuss how AI may transform the creative process, from content writing to publishing and distribution, as well as concerns about AI devaluing creative works.

Italy as the Guest of Honor: As the guest of honor, Italy will showcase its rich literary culture through notable works and prominent authors. Events will explore the connection between literature and cinema, featuring film screenings based on literary works and discussions on the intersection of these two art forms.

Cultural Exchange and New Trends: The Frankfurt Book Fair serves as a platform for cultural exchange between nations, allowing authors, publishers, and readers to meet and exchange ideas. Emerging trends in literature, such as the blending of books with digital media, will be explored, fostering new storytelling formats and creative expression.

Promoting Sustainability in Publishing: One of the key themes this year is sustainability in the publishing industry. Organizations will discuss how to adopt environmentally friendly production methods and create responsible literary products to minimize environmental impact.

Educational and Community Development Programs: The fair will also host a variety of educational programs to encourage reading, creativity, and the development of reading culture within communities. These activities will cater to audiences ranging from children to adults, aiming to build reading habits and raise cultural awareness.

Tinh Le