Source: CCTV.com

09-22-2006 08:00

The Chinese government has placed great importance on its ethnic cultures - from protecting their rich artistic traditions to helping people compete in the modern market. Let's listen in on Thursday morning's press conference, by the state Ethnic Affairs Commission.

The State Ethnic Affairs Commission says the preservation and development of the traditional cultures of the ethnic minorities plays an important role in strengthening the economy and promoting social stability in minorities-concentrated areas.

Vice Minister of State Ethnic Affairs Commission Tongdrub Wangben said:"The economic growth is a basis, which could ensure material supplies for the cultural development. While the cultural development could promote the economic growth. In minority-populated areas, neither should be overemphasized at the expense of the other."