In line with Activity 6 „Organization, Implementation, and Participation of Bulgarian SMEs in Foreign Trade Missions“ under Project BG16RFPR001-1.002-0001 „Implementation of Measures for the Internationalization of Bulgarian SMEs through the Support of the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA)“ under the „Competitiveness and Innovations in Enterprises“ Program 2021-2027, the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA) organized the participation of Bulgarian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a Trade Mission with business events and a visit to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) in Bologna, Italy.

The prestigious forum, which brings together publishers, illustrators, graphic designers, literary agents, authors, translators, and book lovers from around the world, will be held from March 31 to April 3, 2025. This year, over 1500 exhibitors from 90 countries are participating in the 62nd edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

The following Bulgarian enterprises participated in the trade mission: „Timeline Publishing“ Ltd., „Buboleche“ Ltd., „Ina Publishing“ Ltd., „Vakon“ Ltd., „Jeanette 45 Publishing“ Ltd., „Emas-505“ Ltd., „Adviza“ Ltd., „Uniscorp Publishing“ Ltd., „Rybka Publishing“ Ltd., „Pedagog 6 – Delev, Luizova and Co.“ Ltd., „MNG Publishing“ Ltd., „Marmot Books“ Ltd.

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is a leading event in the industry, which, thanks to its over 60 years of experience, has gathered a unique and diverse global audience. It serves as a premier world center for the exchange of copyright related to publishing activities, which also extends to current multimedia and licensing businesses for children’s stories, illustrations, animation, and related fields. The 2024 edition featured over 1500 exhibitors from more than 100 countries. Publishers, illustrators, graphic designers, literary agents, authors, translators, mobile developers, licensors and licensees, packagers, printers, distributors, audiobook specialists, booksellers, librarians, and teachers all come together each spring to explore the world of books and multimedia products across thousands of booths in six large halls. BCBF is a unique combination of a cultural-book exhibition and an international business forum for rights on all types of children’s content.

On the first day of the fair, the Bulgarian participants in the trade mission visited the Bulgarian booths organized by the „Bulgarian Book Association“ and the „Culture and Literacy Association“. The interest in Bulgarian children’s books was very high, and the representatives of the SMEs managed to have productive one-on-one business meetings. Moreover, the Bulgarian business representatives will participate in various forums, workshops, and networking events.

The trade mission was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the „Competitiveness and Innovations in Enterprises“ Program 2021-2027, under which BSMEPA is the institutional beneficiary.

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Project BG16RFPR001-1.002-0001
„Implementation of Measures for the Internationalisation of Bulgarian SMEs through Support for the Activities of the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency“ under the „Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises“ Programme 2021-2027

This document was created with the financial support of the „Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises“ Programme 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. The entire responsibility for the content of the document lies with the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency and under no circumstances can it be assumed that this document reflects the official position of the European Union and the Managing Authority.