Culture is essential for sustainable economic growth

Edited and translated by People's Daily Online

Deputies to the annual two sessions of China's top legislature and advisory body are making active efforts to develop a roadmap to build a culturally strong nation.

The deputies have called for deepening cultural system reforms and promoting cultural prosperity, which is also a common aspiration of the Chinese people. At the Spring Festival Gala, two migrant workers sang "In the Spring," and a farmer was honored to sing together with a famous old artist, showing the popularity of culture among the masses.

The extension of radio and television network coverage to remote villages and free access to public cultural facilities in cities has enriched public culture. The reduction in film ticket prices, increase in the proportion of cheap concert and play tickets, and free access to museums nationwide have reflected the government's efforts to meet people's cultural demands.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's government work report highlighted people's cultural rights and interests, and he promised to increase investment in grass-roots cultural facilities in the central and western rural areas, showing the government's determination to fulfill the people's cultural needs and reduce the cultural divide.

National cultural spirit is essential for a culturally strong nation. "A country will be culturally strong only after it has civilized people and high-quality culture," said Feng Jicai, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Feng's remarks are of great guiding significance.