As Asia’s regional publishing hub and one of the printing centres of the world, Hong Kong is recognized internationally for the creativity and achievements of its publishing and printing industry. To help industry professionals explore overseas business opportunities, the ‘Soaring Creativity—Hong Kong Pavilion 2019’ launched the ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’ under the theme of ‘Exploring Hong Kong’ at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2019 (BCBF 2019) on 1–4 April, 2019.

 

The Project is co-organized by Hong Kong Publishing Federation and The Hong Kong Printers Association, with sponsorship from Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, along with support from Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), Brussels.

 

This year’s ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’ presents nearly 1,200 outstanding publications, print works and electronic books from 69 local enterprises of Hong Kong, which include award-winning masterpieces and publications or printed matters applying advanced multimedia technologies.

 

To mark the official opening of the ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’, a Launch Cocktail Party was held on 1 April, 2019 at BCBF 2019. The organizers were honored to have Mr. Victor Tsang, Head of CreateHK, Ms. Fiona Chau, Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Mr. Sun Zhu, Head of the China Delegation to BCBF 2019 and Mr. Marco Momoli, Commercial Director of BCBF 2019 as the officiating guests. They were joined by Mr. K. C. Chiu, Chairman of the ‘Soaring Creativity – Hong Kong Pavilion’ Organizing Committee, Mr. Alex Yan, Chairman of the ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’ at BCBF 2019, as well as Mr. Matthew Yum and Ms. Anita Wan, Executive Committee Members of the ‘Soaring Creativity – Hong Kong Pavilion’ Organizing Committee in the opening ceremony.

  

Since 2011, ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’ has been set up at a number of large-scale international book fairs, namely Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Frankfurt Book Fair, South China Book Festival in Guangzhou, Beijing International Book Fair, China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair in Shanghai, Taipei International Book Exhibition, and London Book Fair. To date, ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’ has exhibited more than 20,000 items, attracted more than 5.2 million visitors, received over 2,500 business enquiries, and generated nearly 300 local and international media reports.

 

Mr. Alex Yan, Chairman of the ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’ at BCBF 2019 said at the Launch Cocktail Party, that “In this edition, we are excited to feature 41 publishers, 27 printers, and 1 e-book publisher and their nearly 1,200 brilliant books, print works, and electronic publications in the “Hong Kong Pavilion”. Over 100 of the exhibits have won publishing and printing-related awards in Hong Kong or internationally. These incredible exhibits demonstrate the unique competitiveness of the Hong Kong publishing and printing industries to the world.” He also thanked CreateHK for its sponsorship, through which opportunity has been provided for local publishers and printers to explore overseas markets.

The ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’ at BCBF 2019 is made up of two main zones, with the ‘Industries Zone’ displaying Hong Kong books, print works, and electronic publications, while the ‘Corporate Zone’ provides area for Hong Kong exhibitors to showcase their products or services that facilitates their business negotiation and networking.

 

The collection on display at the ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’ covers a wide range of topics, such as literature, history, culture, social science, children’s books, language learning, lifestyle, arts, stationery, and promotional materials, etc. In addition, a dedicated area is set up to showcase more than 100 award-winning publications and printed matters, including the winners of ‘The Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Award’, ‘China Print Awards’, ‘Premier Print Awards’, ‘Gold Ink Awards’, and more. These diverse creations are a fantastic representation of Hong Kong’s rich inspiration and freedom of expression.

 

The highly anticipated ‘Creative Corner’ featured ‘Multimedia’ at this year’s ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’. While the publishing and printing industries are adapting to digitalization, Hong Kong publishers and printers are creatively applying multimedia technology in their products. More than a dozen of successful applications of advanced technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), in books and print works are displayed to show the creativity and competitive edge of publishing and printing in Hong Kong.

 

 

To enhance visitors’ understanding of the cultural and social changes of the Mainland and Hong Kong, a dedicated zone titled ‘China Highlights’ is newly added to the ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’ at the BCBF 2019. The dedicated zone features around 100 Hong Kong publications, covering China's national development, history, geography, traditional festivals, customs, social conditions, tourism, etc. 

 

To further embrace the cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Italy, the organizers will donate some of the exhibits of the ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’ to the University for Foreigners of Siena at the end of the book fair. A book donation ceremony was also held during the Launch Cocktail Party of the ‘Hong Kong Pavilion’ with Ms. Elisabetta Carlias as the representative of the beneficiary.

 

 

 As a cultural exchange activity, ‘Hong Kong-Style Waffle’ will be freshly made and served inside the “Hong Kong Pavilion” at the free-tasting sessions* from 3:30pm to 4:30pm each day on 2–3 April. This will allow international guests to enjoy one of Hong Kong’s most delicious treats and explore Hong Kong from another angle.