The Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council earlier this month issued a document called "Opinions On Deepening Reforms of the Cultural System."

Reforms of the sector, which have already been underway on an experimental basis, will now be in full swing as the country's top policy makers have clearly stated the strategy in transforming the sector.

It is great news for the cultural sector itself. The move also has political and economic implications.

A successful reform of the sector will bring a more lively, colourful life for the Chinese people.

The government's resolve to move further will also mean new opportunities for investors and exporters of Chinese cultural products, and a premium for gross domestic product.

The move to reform the cultural sector is primarily a response to Chinese people's surging demand for cultural products.

As Chinese people enjoy increasing material wealth generated by the country's economic growth, they naturally need more entertainment and spiritual nourishments, which are provided by a more thriving cultural sector.

The building of a more vibrant cultural sector is part of the nation's strategy to construct a prosperous society in all aspects.

A thriving cultural scene will offer people living in this country more access to cultural facilities, which would make our traditional and modern culture more understandable.

The majority of the document stipulated measures to foster cultural businesses.

Culture has long been seen in this country as a sector that should be independent from commercial interests.

The document indicated that the country's leaders have recognized cultural sector's huge overlap with the economic sector.

Support of commercial schemes in the cultural sector would help solve the problem of fund shortage, which used to be a key hindrance for its development.

In return, cultural businesses would also generate a new area for economic growth.

Benefits from cultural product export are recognized by an increasing number of countries. While earning money, cultural products would, of course, also help promote culture of the products' country of origin.

China has produced quite a few commercially successful artists on the international stage. Still, it does not have cultural industry companies capable of competing globally.

Now the document pin-pointedly says that cultural enterprises should go global.

Time would be needed before the goal being met. But the strategy is undoubtedly a correct one.

While efforts are being made to strengthen the business aspect of cultural activities, not every part of the cultural sector can, or should, be commercialized.

A public sector should continue to exist in the cultural sphere. This public sector covers libraries, public museums and protection of cultural heritage, among others.

Libraries and public museums have been greatly under-financed in many places around the country.

Now that financial resources for a big part of the cultural sector will be diversified, the government can focus on supporting public cultural services.

Particular attention should be given to small cities and the countryside, where choices of cultural products and activities have been very limited.

(China Daily January 14, 2006)