Twenty companies representing 150 publishing houses are taking part in the first Book Fair that was opened at the exhibitions center “Moldexpo” on September 8, Info-Prim Neo reports. “This is the first Book Fair. Book shows have been staged for many years, but the fair is held the first time and will continue every year. It includes different kinds of books in different languages, book launches, meetings with authors, contests, lotteries and the mind game “What, Where? When?. The fair was organized by Poliproject Exhibitions Ltd. in concert with the international exhibitions center “Moldexpo” and will last until September 11,” said the director of Poliproject Exhibitions Ltd. Marina Tiron. Attending the opening of the Book Fair, Acting President Marian Lupu said he welcomes the organization of this event. “Such events contribute to the promotion of the country’s image and show that we realize the value of books,” he stated. He also said that he received several books as a present and decided to donate them to orphanages as the children there need them more. He expressed interest in the memoirs of former Presidents of Moldova Mircea Snegur and Petru Lucinschi, saying everyone can learn from their experience. “This fair is a continuation of the spring show with literature for youth and children and the fair staged at the National Library on the occasion of 20 years of the proclamation of independence. It is a real cultural event. There appear good books from literary and graphical points of view and this fair stimulates the competitive spirit of the writers, editors and book distributors. The fair includes mainly books for children, but there are also many dictionaries and encyclopedias,” said the chairman of the Writers Union Arcadie Suceveanu. Romanian Ambassador to Moldova Marius Lazurca told the press he came to the fair to see the novelties in the editorial sector as many important editors of Romanian books from Moldova are well-known in Romania. He said he came as a public figure, but also as an ordinary reader and will bring his children and wife as well to see what they like and want to read.