Senior Chinese official Liu Yunshan has called for efforts to push forward reforms of cultural system to achieve prosperity of China's cultural undertakings and a rapid growth of cultural businesses.

Liu, head of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the comments on Sunday when participating in a group discussion with over 150 local publicity officials and officials in press, publishing, and entertainment sectors, who are here attending a five-day training session.

Liu ordered the officials to ensure a "smooth and orderly" reform in the culture sector, by meeting the needs of the general public, relying on their wisdom, and arousing their enthusiasm for participation.

Guidelines on deepening reform of the cultural system, jointly issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council in January, require general art troupes, publishing houses, newspapers and magazines on culture, art, life and popular science, bookstores, movie studios, theaters, TV play producers, cultural intermediary organizations to gradually restructure into market businesses.

Only a few very important cultural units will continue to enjoy state support, according to the document.

Liu ordered local publicity officials to study the document well and carry out reforms accordingly.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2006)