To arouse public interest on reading and writing, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) collaborates with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for the eighth consecutive year to organise an array of activities at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2008. The event will be held from 23 to 29 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The "Critics' Recommendation", well-received in previous years, aims to enrich our reading experience by promoting broader reading habit among the public. Twenty-seven critics comprised of local renowned scholars, writers and celebrities were invited to comment on the 40 books selected by the ADC Book Fair Selection Panel. The commentary will be published for free distribution at the Fair and will be uploaded to the Book Fair website.

To facilitate literary exchange among Chinese writers in different parts of the world, the ADC will host a seminar on "International Exchange among Chinese Writers" with three speakers/scholars to share their experience on international writing programmes. Speakers include renowned poet Prof Bei Dao who participated in the writing programme in 1988; Mr Lawrence Pun who has just completed the programme in USA, and Prof Chung Ling, initiator of the International Writing Workshop of the Hong Kong Baptist University. The three speakers will also discuss and explore how Chinese literature can be connected with literature of different countries in an international platform. The seminar will be held from 11am to 1pm on 26 July (Saturday) at Rm 402-403 of HKCEC. (The seminar will be conducted in Cantonese and Putonghua. Free Admission.)

During the Book Fair, publications, magazines and VCDs supported by the ADC will be available for sale at the ADC's booth. A variety of arts performances and workshops such as dance, drama, puppet show, stained glass demonstration, harmonica, classical guitar, bamboo flute performances and literary seminars will also be held to enlighten the Fair.

The ADC exhibition booth is located at Hall 1, HKCEC (Booth no.: 1A32-36，1B31-35). Welcome to join us at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2008 and explore the joy of reading.