CRI听力: Asian Countries Set to Enhance Cultural Cooperation

The 11th Asia Arts Festival opens on Tuesday in Ordos of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Cultural officials from across Asia have gathered to discuss how to develop their culture industries and enhance cultural cooperation amid the economic crisis.

Shuang Feng takes a closer look. (www.hXen.com)

Reporter:

The ongoing international financial crisis has forced some Asian countries to cancel or suspend many cultural projects due to a shortage of funds. In addition, companies and organizations are currently reluctant to commit to cultural investments.

Bangladesh is no exception, just as Abul Kalam Azad, the country's minister of press and culture, mentioned at the Ministerial Roundtable Meeting during the ongoing arts festival.

"The current economic crisis has spread to impact the culture sector. Now, we are gathering here to discuss how to pass on and advance Asia's rich cultural heritage. So I think our meeting is very significant. And we should consider taking stimulus measures to support the culture industry amid the crisis."

Challenges to cultural development have emerged as a result of the economic crisis. But Chinese culture minister Cai Wu says upbeat news has also surfaced.

"Chinese culture industry has fended off the negative impact of the economic crisis. During the first quarter of this year, China's household cultural consumption increased more than 20 percent year on year."

The official revealed that China has issued its cultural stimulus plan to sustain the astonishing development of the culture industry during the crisis.

Meanwhile, Hideo Tamai, commissioner of Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, calls for cultural cooperation among Asian countries in an effort to seek common development.

"The ministerial roundtable meeting is a very good example of Asian cultural cooperation. We should deepen mutual understanding of each other's culture and preserve the diversity of cultures in Asia. Starting with these efforts, we should work together to revive the culture industry amid the economic crisis."

Cultural officials signed a deal at the meeting, agreeing to boost cultural cooperation among Asian countries.

The festival features art exhibitions and performances of troupes from 18 Asian nations.

Sponsored by China's Ministry of Culture, the event lasts until next Wednesday

Shuang Feng, CRI news.