Egypt's Ibrahim Abdel Meguid Talks About CIBF Postpone

Iconic Egyptian author Ibrahim Abdel Meguid talked to SEE about the impact of postponing the upcoming edition of the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) to June 2021.

Abdel Majid explained, "The impact would be somehow limited. It would cause delaying the publisher's financial gains to June. It could be a better chance for publishers and authors."

"The publishers and authors were deeply impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The circle of books selling was highly dropped in February. In addition, almost 30% of the Egyptian publishing houses closed their doors according to a report published by the Arab Publishers Association."

He continued, "CIBF would be a step forward decreasing the loss of the publishers, but I think that the financial gains of the CIBF would be less than the previous years."

Regarding solving the publishing crisis in Egypt, he suggested, "I wish, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Education would help in distributing the various releases of the suffering publishing houses or young people may help in the process of distribution."

He added, "Publishing in Egypt is in real crisis and the concerned authorities should take the required measures to solve it."

"Organizing the event in its time or postponing it wouldn't impact the scene badly as it is already suffering. Moreover, the event wouldn't set a supporting environment for the exhibitors such as decreasing the rent prices for example," he finalized.

Two days ago, the Higher Administrative Committee of the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) announced the postponing of the CIBF’s upcoming edition to June 2021 during the first meeting of the committee. It will take place between June 30, 2021, to July 15,  2021.

The participation of the upcoming edition’s guest of honor, Greece, will be postponed to the following edition instead of the upcoming one.