The International Forum of the International Society of Performing Arts (ISPA) and the first China Performing Arts Fair, the largest international arts events ever held in China, opened in Beijing Friday.

Present at the opening ceremony were Wang Guangying, vice- chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, and ISPA chairman Elizabeth Bradley as well as 63 representatives from 13 countries, and representatives from some 200 local cultural organizations from all over China, including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

Chen Xiaoguang, vice-minister of culture, said China's cultural industry has great potential. It is developing well and has increased exchanges with overseas.

He expressed his belief that the two events will promote the development of Chinese traditional arts, and enhance contacts between the Chinese art circle and those of other countries and regions.

Bradley said that China is showing great vitality to the world in the field of performing arts, which is attracting more attention internationally.

She expressed hope that the events will strengthen mutual communication and understanding among participants, and offer valuable experience to the Chinese culture industry.

During the four-day events, foreign and Chinese experts will hold discussions, with the main theme being "Performing Arts in a Diversified World Culture." Their speeches will cover a wide range of subjects including "Western Market Demand for Chinese Culture" and "Chinese Performing Arts Meet the World".

Local cultural administrations, artistic groups, theaters and broker companies will also discuss the changes in theater construction and fund raising following China's entry into the World Trade Organization.

There are more than 420 performances to be staged during the fair, including those of various artistic styles, which will offer great opportunities to show the development of Chinese performing arts during the past decades, particularly since the country adopted the reform and open policy in late 1970s.

A total of 20 local performances will be selected for world touring performance and 35 performances of overseas groups will be introduced during the fair.

(People's Daily March 9, 2002)