Phnom penh: Phnom Penh will host the 12th Cambodia Book Fair from Dec. 11 to 14 at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the theme 'Books Are Food for Thought.'
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, this year's event will feature around 295 booths showcasing a wide range of books - from history and literature to personal development - in both Khmer and foreign languages. The event organizers aim to offer a diverse selection of reading materials to cater to the interests of all attendees.
Speaking at a press conference on Nov. 26, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts H.E. Kim Pinun stated that the annual event aims to promote the publication of all kinds of books, both new and old. It also seeks to encourage Cambodians, especially children and youth, to cultivate a reading habit and appreciate the importance of reading for personal and national development.
The fair also seeks to support Cambodian writers, researchers, and illustrators, as well as inspire the younger generation to pursue writing and creativity, he added. The event serves as a platform for promoting local talent and encouraging literary expression among Cambodia's youth.
H.E. Sok Rithy, representative of the Cambodia Book Fair Organising Committee, mentioned that about 200,000 visitors are expected to attend this year's event. The fair's popularity has been steadily growing, as evidenced by last year's event, which attracted around 160,000 book lovers under the theme 'A Reader, a Life-long Learner.'