Emirates publishers discuss current and future strategies and projects

During the meeting, the attendants discussed EPA's general strategy and current and future projects, as well as approved projects and the latest developments in the field of publishing. They reviewed the administrative and financial report as well as preparations for the election of a new board of directors during the upcoming meeting of EPA's General Assembly.

The meeting also included a discussion on a plan to attract Arab publishers to join the International Publishers Association (IPA), and included discussions on Emirates Publishers Association's participation via the UAE Pavilion which will be participating as a guest of honour at Bangkok International Book Fair 2014.

Sheikha Bodour praised the EPA's Board Members and work team for their outstanding performance and efforts over the past years, most notably reflected in the EPA achieving full IPA membership, the preparation of a comprehensive report on the publishing industry in the UAE, and the EPA's numerous successful local and international participations, as well as the training courses and meetings organised by the Association, all of which has helped boost the UAE's publishing sector and increase its rate of growth.

"Our Country is truly experiencing an impressive period of intellectual and cultural prosperity that is reflecting positively on the publishing sector, which has in turn been playing a constructive and fruitful role in the Emirati cultural scene," Sheikha Bodour remarked.

She went on to say, "We also discussed a number of topics related to the UAE and the region's publishing industry with regards to a large number of projects which will be implemented by the Association in the upcoming period, with the aim of fostering the on going efforts and the Emirates' cultural movement, aiding intellectuals and professionals in this sector to fulfil their aspirations, as well as boosting the potential and capabilities of the UAE's publishers and publishing sector."

"We also discussed the possibility of attracting more members to join EPA, and encouraging Arab publishers associations and unions to become members of the International Publishers Association," Sheikha Bodour added.

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) was established on 18 December 2008 as a public entity, which was promulgated under resolution No.18 for 2009, issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Headquartered in Al Qasba, Sharjah, EPA is dedicated to developing the UAE's publishing industry and representing UAE publishers at book and publishing related regional and international events, exhibitions and seminars. It also works to encourage and disseminate the UAE's intellectual output throughout the Arab world and worldwide. EPA also regularly organizes training courses for its members.