The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) on Thursday announced a series of activities at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2005.

To arouse public interest on reading, the ADC will join hands again with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to organize a variety of activities including competition and seminar at this year's Hong Kong Book Fair.

One of the highlights will be The Critics' Recommendation in which local renowned critics will be invited to comment on books selected by the ADC Book Fair selection panel.

Based on the quality, content, theme, publication format and creativity, 40 sets of newly published books from more than 300 choices were selected for critics to comment. The commentary will be published for free distribution at the Book Fair.

In addition, with the aim to foster discussion on Chinese literature, famous scholars and writers from Chinese cities and regions including Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taiwan, and from Malaysia will be invited to share their views at a seminar entitled "Chinese Literature in the 21st Century".

Also on the activity list is the Reading Write-up Competition for Students, which has got an overwhelming response with more than 1,000 entries. The award presentation ceremony is scheduled on July 21.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the 16th Hong Kong Book Fair will be held from July 20 to 25 at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Center. About 400 publishers will display their books and magazines, covering subjects such as history, philosophy, technology, business, travel and religion.

(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2005)