Some 100 British and Chinese women entrepreneurs gathered at Asia House in central London Tuesday to celebrate the China-UK Women's Cultural Festival.

Chinese actresses dance during an activity of the China-UK Women's Cultural Festival in London, Britain, Feb. 11, 2008. The weeklong China-UK Women's Cultural Festival started Sunday. An 80-strong Chinese women's delegation led by Gu Xiulian, vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) and president of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), are the main force of the Chinese part of the festival co-sponsored by the ACWF, London Mayor's Office and the Organizing Committee for "China Now," the largest ever Chinese cultural festival in Britain.

A delegation from China has traveled to the UK in the form of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), giving the people of Britain a rare opportunity to get to know the organization which first visited Asia House four years ago.

During a special talk session, Long Jiangwen, counsel of the International Department of the ACWF, said the exchange between women entrepreneurs is an important part of the festival, and will contribute to information sharing and mutual understanding while expanding future cooperation in various fields between women of the two countries.

Ma Chunying, deputy general manager of Beijing Yili Food Company, the bread provider for the coming Beijing Olympics, briefed the audience on her personal development along with that of the enterprise.

Chinese actresses dance during an activity of the China-UK Women's Cultural Festival in London, Britain, Feb. 11, 2008.

Wu Xiuping, vice president and secretary general of Beijing Women Entrepreneurs' Association, also elaborated on how the group provides services and encourages collaboration among and training for its members.

In a Q&A session, British women entrepreneurs asked questions about the obstacles faced by women in running a business in China, how to get in touch with Chinese counterparts and the length of paid maternity leave in China, to name but a few.

In addition to the talks, the festival also featured a Forum on Women and the Olympics and Paralympic Games, a Photographic Exhibition of Women in China, a popular Chinese variety performance called The Same Song, and a show performed by a Chinese children's troupe alongside some British children.

Gu Xiulian (2nd, L), vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) and president of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) and the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone (L) visit the photography exhibition Women in China as a part of the China-UK Women's Cultural Festival in London, Britain, Feb. 11, 2008.

The China-UK Women's Cultural Festival is one of the highlights of "China Now" and "2008 China in London" which are deemed the largest ever celebrations of Chinese culture in Britain. It is hoped that the various activities of the festival will reflect the progress and development of women's and children's causes in China since its reform and opening-up.
 
(Xinhua News Agency February 13, 2008)