Cultural Minister Luo Shugang (second from left), Deputy Cultural Minister Dong Wei, Deputy Cultural Minister Ding Wei, and Director General of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage Liu Yuzhu were present at the 2016 work meeting of the Ministry of Culture concerning Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign countries, April 22, 2016. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

The 2016 work meeting of the Ministry of Culture concerning Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign countries was held in Beijing from April 22 to 24.

Cultural Minister Luo Shugang, Deputy Cultural Minister Dong Wei, Deputy Cultural Minister Ding Wei, and Director General of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage Liu Yuzhu were present and presented awards to the outstanding overseas cultural institutions and research paper for 2015.

Based on the 13th Five-Year Plan, the meeting set a directional work plan for cultural work in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign countries. The plan includes establishing an effective communication mechanism of cultural exchange, strengthening the capability to promote Chinese culture, building good brands for cultural exchange, deepening the cooperation and communication with the countries concerning the nation's multinational "One Belt, One Road" trade initiative and accelerating the establishment of China cultural centers abroad and overseas cultural trade.

To promote innovation, Luo noted that communication between different nations should be promoted, and cultural work should efficiently play the role of external diplomatic work and internal cultural construction. Also, more creative and approachable measures should be used to promote Chinese culture.

Ding gave a retrospect of the achievements and experience of cultural promotion in 2015 that was based on the cooperation between the Ministry and other regional or overseas cultural institutions

This is the first such national meeting held in the starting year of the 13th Five-Year Plan. Attendees included 260 representatives and officials from regional and overseas cultural institutions, China Cultural Centers in 24 countries and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and Macao.