Li Xiaomu (3rd R), deputy president of Beijing International Studies University and chief expert of China Institute for Cultural Trade Research and Deputy cultural minister of Serbia Asja Draca Muntean (3rd L) give their closing remarks at the end of the First China-Central Eastern European (CEE) Cultural and Creative Industry Forum in Belgrade, Serbia on June 6, 2016. The first China-Central Eastern European (CEE) cultural and creative industry forum concluded here on Monday with an appeal for further China-CEE cooperation. [Photo/Xinhua]

The first China-Central Eastern European (CEE) cultural and creative industry forum concluded in Belgrade on June 6 with an appeal for further China-CEE cooperation.

A memorandum of understanding between relevant institutions dealing with cultural trade research from Serbia and China was signed on Monday at the event.

The two-day forum, which attracted some 100 participants from 16 CEE countries and China, included discussions in the area of cultural heritage and cultural policies.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Li Xiaomu, deputy president of Beijing International Studies University and chief expert of China Institute for Cultural Trade Research, hailed the forum as "a great success" and expressed hope that over time the forum would become a tool to foster cooperation among the countries.

Noting that China and the 16 CEE countries were connected by the "Belt and Road" initiative, he called on governments of CEE countries and China to continue to support cooperation and development of the cultural industry.

"The scale of cooperation and exchange should be increased," Li said.

Deputy cultural minister of Serbia Asja Draca Muntean said the forum was not only a platform but also an instrument to enhance cultural policy and trade between China and the 16 CEE countries.

Participants over the course of two days discussed various topics -- from copyrights and publishing to contemporary arts and film.