emirates7 - Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) has held its Ordinary General Assembly in the presence of Ministry of Community Development representatives to approve its draft budget and work-plan of 2022, and release its end-of-year 2021 report.

This meeting comes as part of EPA’s ongoing mission to advance its offerings and services to its members.

A representative from the Ministry announced that the quorum for the General Assembly meeting had been achieved, and the meeting began with a welcome speech by Ali Obaid bin Hatem, President of EPA.

The meeting highlighted the EPA’s achievements and activities in 2021, including workshops, sessions, participation in local and international book fairs, events, and the launching of the Publishers Training Program.

The association’s general assembly voted on and approved amendments to its statute to improve and advance its operations, including: three clauses related to regulations and procedures for memberships in local, regional, and international organizations and federations.

On this occasion, Ali Obaid bin Hatem, President of EPA, commented: "The association’s work and programme plan for 2022, which was finalised at the General Assembly, is focused on harnessing (EPA)’s resources to support our members and advance the sustainability and growth of the local publishing sector in general, with emphasis on book distribution and marketing."

He added: "Our operations have unwavering support, in particular the patronage and generosity of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, including his latest directive to establish a distribution company operating under EPA to enable local publishers to extend their outreach towards regional and international markets."