Moroccan books little read by population, minister
Morocco, Culture, 2/15/2005

Morocco's Minister of Culture, Mohamed Achaari, deplored that Moroccan books are little read in comparison to the number of inhabitants and Moroccan real potentials.

In an interview with "le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb" daily, published Monday, Achaari wondered why a best-seller is sold at only 5000 copies in a country of 30 million inhabitants, 14 universities, 300.000 students, 13.000 researcher-professors and 250.000 teachers."

He said that deficiency in distribution and media promotion of books are the main problems that hinder the development of this sector.

Education, on its part, does not encourage reading because "syllabuses do not incite nor encourage students to read," he said, adding that these problems "are handled by public authorities and professionals"

Moroccan readership has the right to choose and be demanding and it's the task of publishers to meet their needs.

Young Moroccans seek books which are close to their reality and answer their questions. "They want books that represent them and present them to the world," he said.

He however noted that though figures are not very satisfactory, book production is developing as the number of issued books is increasing each year, adding that foreign books especially French and Spanish are very sought. Even more, Middle East publishers say that Morocco is the best market for foreign books.

To reconcile Moroccans with reading as an important means of information, the International fair of Casablanca is hosting from February 11 to 20 the 11th International Book Fair (SIEL).

The fair is an international event that the ministry of Culture organises to consolidate the culture of reading among Moroccans.

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