Berlin/Taipei – The ROC Ministry of Culture concluded a memorandum of understanding with Berlin Literary House in Germany, taking related exchanges between countries to new heights.

Under the agreement, inked by Wang Keng-ling, head of the MOC Department of Cultural Exchanges, and BLH director Florian Hoellerer, three Taiwan authors can take residence each year in Berlin. The authors will promote the nation’s literary works, as well as engage in extensive exchanges with their German counterparts on an array of issues.

MOC Minister Lung Ying-tai, who was on hand for the signing ceremony, welcomed the agreement and said the ministry will use it to strengthen Taiwan’s literary agency representation abroad.

“Local publishers can learn from the well-established system in Germany,” Lung said. “The success of Taiwan’s publishing sector hinges on improving its ability to sell rights internationally.”

In addition to concluding the pact, Lung and the MOC delegation met with seven representatives from heavyweight publishers across Germany, as well as Juergen Boos, director of the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Lung described the meeting as productive and laden with potential, pledging to establish an international copyright data center for Taiwan works. “This will provide greater support for the development of Taiwan literary talents through streamlined contact with foreign publishers,” she added. Source: Taiwan Today

Photo: MOC Minister Lung Ying-tai greets members of the media following a meeting with seven German heavyweight publishers, as well as Juergen Boos (center), director of the Frankfurt Book Fair, June 13 in Berlin. (Courtesy of MOC)