Taipei - Taiwan will hold the 17th Taipei International Book Exhibition on February 4-9 with the focus on Thailand's literature and culture, the organizer said on Friday.

About 500 publishers from some 40 countries are expected to set up 2,000 booths at the exhibition, held at the Taipei International Trade Centre, the Taipei International Book Exhibition Foundation said on its website.

The book fair is expected to draw 400,000 visitors.

The foundation will invite Thai publishers and writers to introduce Thai literature, culture and publishing industry to the Taiwan audience, the foundation said.

The fair will have sections for books, book design, comics, children's books and writing utensils, like pens and pencils from Japan's Tombow and Sakura, the Netherland's Royal Talents, and Britain's Derwent manufacturers.

The book fair will offer a platform for Taiwan and foreign writers and publishers to discuss buying copyrights and translations rights. (dpa)