CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- A very interesting conference took place earlier last month in Bangkok with the participation of leading publishers from around Asia. As with many such specialized events, its impact mainly reached people in the publishing industry rather than the public at large. But, because of its theme, it also provided food for thought for some government officials directly in touch with this industry.

The topic was most appropriate in this age of the information revolution: "Government's role and publishers' efforts toward the development of the publishing industry." Indeed, at this juncture, all those involved in the fascinating world of books must share a perspective that envisions both government and publishers joining hands in order to assure the development of the book culture. If this is an accepted axiom in general, it is even more valid for Asia where, in spite of monumental problems of poverty, there is a tremendous background of old and unique cultural traditions and a thirst for learning.

Participants, well-versed in the technical issues of costs, taxes, copyrights, book piracy, distribution systems, digital libraries, etc., had fruitful exchanges, taking aim, as it appeared, at the difficult task of seeking and establishing a standard scale of book prices throughout Asia.