French Culture Year programs, which begin next month, will be sponsored by French and Chinese businesses under government guidance.

Pu Tong, a senior official with the China-France Culture Year organizing committee said here Tuesday, at a press conference held by China and France.

Li Dongsheng, a Chinese entrepreneur in charge of sponsorship for the French Culture Year, said a committee has been established with 21 Chinese and 25 French companies that will give financial support to the cultural programs.

According to the organizing committee, the China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG), the first large state-owned cultural enterprise in China, will work with a French company for the publicity work.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 22, 2004)