Proposal to Minimize Import Duties and Support UAE Book Industry

Sharjah’s National Media Council (NMC) and Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) met and discussed collaboration and map future strategy, with the presence of EPA Founder and President Bodour Al Qasimi, NMC Director General Mansour Al Mansouri, and other members from both entities. Bodour emphasised on cooperation with international publishing business partners to advance the local book industry.Sharjah’s National Media Council (NMC) and Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) met and discussed collaboration and map future strategy, with the presence of EPA Founder and President Bodour Al Qasimi, NMC Director General Mansour Al Mansouri, and other members from both entities. Bodour emphasised on cooperation with international publishing business partners to advance the local book industry.The proposal that aimed at helping members of the EPA, was put forward at a meeting between the NMC and the EPA on 11 September.  The two bodies met to discuss the future of publishing, both locally and globally, and to look at how their collaboration can specifically help local publishing in the UAE.Among topics discussed were licences, printing, distribution and ways to facilitate the entry and operations of foreign publishers who want to invest in the UAE.  The importance of Sharjah Publishing City, its new free trade zone, was acknowledged with regard to international publishers.Import duties of AED 1000 on every consignment of imported books may be lifted under the new proposal.  Duties on the import of new books valued at AED 25 may also be lifted.The NMC also proposed the opening of a fully integrated office at the EPA’s headquarters and there was discussion of the need to bolster the UAE’s stature as a crucible for the exploration of ideas by thought leaders, publishers, authors, illustrators and intellectuals from around the world.  The importance of the Sharjah International Book Fair and its professional programme was underlined.Bodour said: “Communication and collaboration with the global book industry is an essential step to advancing local publishing – a goal that state institutions are working actively towards. This is in keeping with the directives of our founding fathers, who were passionate to create a knowledge-based society. Today, we have started a new phase of collaboration between the EPA and the NMC with the aim of establishing an ideal environment for local and international publishers.”HE Mansour Al Mansouri, Director General of NMC, said: “The development of the publishing industry aligns with NMC’s objectives and strategies that are inspired by the vision and directives of the wise leadership for whom books are a national priority. “It also contributes to promoting reading and this is why we are committed to cooperating with all entities in the publishing sector. To this end, we look for every opportunity to enhance joint collaborations with the aim of producing more local books and supporting a greater number of local authors and publishing houses. This support will contribute to reinforcing local cultural movement and will build the stature of the UAE in this vibrant and vital sector.”
A study conducted by the EPA on the challenges facing local publishers was discussed, with a particular focus on market access and distribution.  Both organisations agreed to collaborate on a number of areas:
• Supporting local books• Supporting local authors• Expanding book distribution• Making the procedures for obtaining licences and trade permits easierIn conclusion, Bodour said: “Both the EPA and the NMC share objectives that align with the UAE’s approach to supporting the knowledge economy and boosting cultural development.  The agreements we made will help the publishing sectors in the UAE and abroad develop to their fullest potential.”