Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ), the world’s first publishing and printing free zone, has showcased its unique services and facilities aimed at supporting and advancing the publishing sector, to Spanish publishers and authors at the 37th edition of the LIBER International Book Fair-Madrid 2019, where Sharjah is the Guest of Honour.

SPC- Free Zone, a subsidiary of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), hosted various meetings with representatives of Spanish publishers and free zones at the book fair like: International Publishing Distribution Association (IPDA), Conselleria Cultura Participacio Iesports (GOIB), Spanish federation of book, print media and Digital contents distribution, University of Virginia Library, Stanford University Library, General Spanish Library Society, Vicens Vives, Anodeaz educational solutions, Son Vmbulos, Lata de Sal, Mega Print, and Ingram, showcased their portfolio of services designed to support and advance the publishing industry, and highlight the strategic geographic location of the emirate which serves as a gateway to the GCC region and the Middle East.

Salim Omar Salim, Director of SPC- Free Zone said: “Our participation in this cultural event and several others that the emirate has been a part of in the recent past, is intended to strengthen bonds and builds bridges with other cultures. Our role at this event is to highlight the great efforts of Sharjah has taken to resurrect the publishing sector. Today, Sharjah is considered a link between the East and West and the services of SPC Free Zone which are aimed at supporting the publishing sector, is an important pillar in strengthening the cultural movement. The many opportunities SPC Free Zone provides to publishers to launch and succeed in their business contribute to the advancement of the book industry in the Arab world and internationally.”

Investment in cultural and educational pursuits is high on the list of priorities for His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Thus, SPC Free Zone has been established as a conduit of investment into creating a thriving book industry in the world. It keeps with the overall mission of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), to foster investment and growth in the publishing and printing sector within the UAE and the international community.