A Chinese political advisor revealed
in Beijing on Thursday that China imported a total of 4,332 foreign
films between 2000 and 2004 while only exporting a handful over the
same period.
"Despite the favorable trade surplus China has enjoyed for many
years the country has continuously suffered from a huge 'deficit'
in terms of the import and export of cultural products," said Zhao
Qizheng, a member of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) -- the country's
top advisory body which is holding its annual full session in
Beijing.
Citing Customs statistics, Zhao, former minister in charge of the
State Council Information Office, said that for many years China's
book exports accounted for just one tenth of book imports from
around the world. The deficit ratio stood at one hundredth between
China and Europe and the United States.
The main reason for the 'cultural deficit' was the fact that the
country's ability to spread its own culture to the outside world
remained comparatively weak. Zhao made these remarks at a full
meeting of the 2,200-strong advisory body in the Great Hall of the
People in downtown Beijing on Thursday afternoon.
"For an ancient civilization with a history of more than 5,000
years it's a shame to be unable to introduce our traditional
culture to other nations or share our new ideas and concepts with
the rest of the world," Zhao said.
He called for intensified efforts from both the government and the
country's intellectuals to "reinvigorate the Chinese culture" and
"gradually increase the export of our own cultural products."
"A special team of talented people who have a good knowledge of
foreign languages, cultures and ideologies needs to be formed and
trained to effectively enhance China's capability in international
communications and self-promotion," he added.
(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2006)