In attendance at the 2025 Taipei International Book Exhibition opening ceremony this Tuesday, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said he was showing public support for the publishing industry because culture is Taiwan’s root and soul. Themed “Follow Your Fancy in Reading,” the exhibition opened with two classic Italian arias performed by vocalist Chang Yin-chi (張殷齊) and pianist Nathan Tu (杜迺迪) to showcase the exhibition’s guest of honor, Italy.
The 2025 Taipei International Book Exhibition is taking place at the Taipei World Trade Center, Hall 1, from February 4 to 9. Attending the opening ceremony this Tuesday was President Lai, Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠), Italian Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Office Representative Marco Lombardi, Italian Publishers Association International Relations Manager Paola Seghi, other industry professionals, and representatives from various nations.
President Lai took to the stage to welcome attendees from 29 countries participating in the exhibition on behalf of Taiwan, and to praise Italy for its rich culture and industrial achievements. He encouraged people to visit the book fair with the words “knowledge is power,” stressing that buying books is a form of investment in oneself that will surely return a profit.
President Lai emphasized culture as the root and soul of Taiwan, and highlighted the publishing industry as an important conveyor of culture. He encouraged the public to take part in the 2025 Taipei International Book Exhibition, reminding that people under the age of 18 can visit the book fair for free. People between the ages of 18 and 22 may also enter for free with Culture Points (文化幣), a program launched by the Culture Ministry in 2023 to encourage young adults to participate in cultural activities.