Experts from around the world gathered at Peking University for the Sixth New Year Forum of Chinese Cultural Industry. The forum is held to discuss the future direction of the industry and examine options for dealing with the current global economic situation.

Creativity is found everywhere, from a piece of china to grand architecture, from a fine garment of haute couture to animation. It reaches practically every aspect of our lives, and one of its engines is business.

Experts at the forum emphasized one thing: that creativity and commerce are two sides of the same coin - one facilitates the growth of the other.

The creative industry consists of co-dependent sectors that focus on creating and exploiting products such as music, books, film, and games; and economic activities such as designing, making and selling objects or art works.

The successful fusion of art and commerce depends on long-term development commitments. Experts believe that the creative industry can generate new value for stockpiled products amid difficult financial times.

Economist Li Wuwei said, "The development of the creative industry is sustainable as it consumes few natural resources. Creativity and development in this sector could help drive supporting industry chains and spur the country's economy".

There is a notable example of creative industry success amid economic crisis. Through the Great Depression in the 1930s, comedian Charlie Chaplin's classic movies City Lights and Modern Times were big hits and won huge popularity.