A Chinese political advisor revealed in Beijing on Thursday that China imported a total of 4,332 foreign films between 2000 and 2004 while only exporting a handful over the same period.

"Despite the favorable trade surplus China has enjoyed for many years the country has continuously suffered from a huge 'deficit' in terms of the import and export of cultural products," said Zhao Qizheng, a member of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) -- the country's top advisory body which is holding its annual full session in Beijing.

Citing Customs statistics, Zhao, former minister in charge of the State Council Information Office, said that for many years China's book exports accounted for just one tenth of book imports from around the world. The deficit ratio stood at one hundredth between China and Europe and the United States.

The main reason for the 'cultural deficit' was the fact that the country's ability to spread its own culture to the outside world remained comparatively weak. Zhao made these remarks at a full meeting of the 2,200-strong advisory body in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing on Thursday afternoon.

"For an ancient civilization with a history of more than 5,000 years it's a shame to be unable to introduce our traditional culture to other nations or share our new ideas and concepts with the rest of the world," Zhao said.

He called for intensified efforts from both the government and the country's intellectuals to "reinvigorate the Chinese culture" and "gradually increase the export of our own cultural products."

"A special team of talented people who have a good knowledge of foreign languages, cultures and ideologies needs to be formed and trained to effectively enhance China's capability in international communications and self-promotion," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2006)