The Chinese government has issued a package of policies to encourage the development of private market players in the cultural sector, according to an official document made public over the weekend.

The new policies, which are jointly stipulated by the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Personnel, and State Administration of Taxation, are aimed to further stimulate the initiatives of nongovernmental institutions and artists to participate in the development of cultural sector.

In the document, the ministries offer such favorite policies as lifting all kinds of restrictions, simplifying the procedures of official approval, giving financial assistance, encouraging them to go abroad, and giving assistance in professional training.

(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2005)