CULTURAL NEWS

Towards a virtual version of International Book Fair of Algiers

ALGIERS-The Ministry of Culture and Arts intends to hold a virtual version of the International Book Fair of Algiers (SILA) under measures to prevent the propagation of the coronavirus, told APS the Director of Book Office at the Ministry Djamel Foughali.

The decision to hold a 25th virtual edition was taken in consultation with representatives of Algerian publishers and officials of the Book Office at the Ministry of Culture and Arts in view of "the impossibility of holding this event which attracts more than one million visitors per year in this exceptional period of pandemic," explained Djamel Foughali.

The virtual version of SILA, which is not yet finalized, should include meetings, debates and other roundtables using new technologies and social networks while a project for an online sales platform is also "conceivable" in partnership with professionals in this field and Algerian and foreign publishing houses accustomed to the event.

Foughali also referred to the adoption of "special measures to preserve and boost the book industry in Algeria in this exceptional period" without giving more details.

Several local book events and fairs in several cities in the country will be held once the situation improves, he said.