Zhu Qi, deputy director of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations in the Ministry of Culture, speaks at the press conference on an event held by the Ministry of Culture in Beijing, Jan 26, 2016. Zhu said that there would be activities in both China and Latin America countries in every month in 2016, promoting cultural communication between the two sides. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

The China-Latin America Year of Cultural Exchange will formally start in March, according to the Ministry of Culture.

The event will help conduct broad exchanges in various fields including art, literature, film, book, communication and tourism. It will also facilitate activities in different forms containing exhibitions, performances, forums, film panoramas, and dialogues on civilization in both China and Latin American countries, involving theaters, museums, universities and art organizations.

"The event provides a sound platform for people at home and abroad to know more about different cultures through various activities including performances and exhibitions," said Zhang Yu, chairman and general manager of China Arts and Entertainment Group, emphasizing that it is of great importance to have the event reach out to the public through education, cultural exchanges and various other forms.

Lang Lang, a famous Chinese pianist, is invited to participate in the publicity and promotion for 2016 Latin America-China Year of Cultural Exchange. He will tour six countries in Latin America including Chile and Argentina in August as well as give lectures to youth there who are interested in piano and traditional Chinese culture.

"Music knows no borders. It can connect people from different cultures and languages. As the ambassador for the event, I will spare no efforts in facilitating the communications and friendship between the two peoples," said Lang Lang.