Argentina plans to organize two year-long events in 2008 and 2010 in a bid to boost Argentina's culture in China, Argentine Vice President Daniel Scioli said on Tuesday.

Scioli told a news conference that his October visit to China had been a great opportunity to develop trade and cultural exchange.

"I visited China with a very broad agenda. Alongside signing trade agreements, there have been concrete results in the cultural field. Both governments are very interested in organizing a year of culture," he said.

He said the plan showed that Argentina was not only interested in exporting food, but also in promoting tourism and culture.

Echoing his remarks, Culture Minister Jose Nun said "there is enormous interest on both sides in this celebration. It is a unique opportunity to put into practice cultural exchanges on both sides, and it will be the first such event in Latin America."

Argentina is set to sign an agreement with China to hold the events, which will include visual arts, music, movies, theaters and ballet.

"The Argentine government's proposal is for these meetings to be held every two years," said Nun, adding that the first such event would coincide with the Beijing Olympics, while the 2010 event would also mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of Argentina.

"Culture is not only a romantic subject, but also of economic importance," he said, adding that it is important for Argentine culture to be known in China.

Daniel Maman, director of the Maman cultural center, who visited China as part of Scioli's mission, said the agreement would be historic, and it would "position Argentine culture and the country's brand overseas."

Source: Xinhua