What they say

Zhong Shan, minister of commerce

In his first meeting with journalists since taking office on Feb 24, Zhong said China will adjust the growth pattern in foreign trade from simply expanding in volume to improving its structural quality. The Ministry of Commerce will make further efforts to strengthen China’s role as a big trading nation and push for its increasing prowess in the sector.

Liu Yuzhu, director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage

China will provide the public greater access to the country’s cultural relics. About 770,000 immovable and 6 million movable cultural relics will gradually be opened to the public. The State Administration of Cultural Heritage has made great progress in bringing more relics to the public in recent years. The cultural relics currently accessible to the public will be made full use of and improved. There are now 4,692 museums in China. We still need to make great efforts in diversifying the items on display in these museums.

Chen Baosheng, minister of education

The TV show Chinese Poetry Competition has shown a new way to promote traditional Chinese culture. The education in traditional Chinese culture should be covered at every stage of education. It should be well integrated into the educational system and materials. Traditional Chinese opera, painting, calligraphy, medicine and sports should be represented as facets of traditional Chinese culture, which needs to be protected and passed down.

Qiu Yuanping, director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council

More than 40 million overseas Chinese live along the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Many of them have economic power and understand foreign business environments. They also have wide connections with the local people. They can be important bridges to connect the Belt and Road. We will encourage them to set up cooperation and e-business networks this year and will let those who are bilingual contribute more to the Belt and Road Initiative.