Since Beijing became the host of the 2008 Olympics and China formally entered the World Trade Organization, the call for the ancient capital to boost its cultural industry has grown louder.
Recently, a group of municipal committee members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) proposed Beijing develop and market its unique cultural industry in line with international practice.
Beijing's cultural industry, supported by its advantage in personnel and cultural resources, has made noticeable growth in recent years.
Statistics show that at the end of 1999, there were 3,800 corporations with a combined staff of 22,000, engaged in various cultural development activities.
These corporations had assets of 50.6 billion Yuan (about US$6 billion), producing added value totaling 11.5 billion Yuan (about US$1.4 billion), and contributing 5.3 percent to the city's GDP.
However, the city's cultural industry is currently faced with such problems as relatively small scale, lack of planning and expertise in administration and operations.
The CPPCC municipal committee members suggested that Beijing should accentuate its position as a world famous ancient capital with unique culture and history while developing its cultural industry.
A comprehensive development plan should also be mapped out as soon as possible with priority areas clearly stated. In addition development funds should be established and financial support guaranteed to ensure sustainable development.
(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2002)
