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More than 1000 media elites from 45 countries and regions are currently attending the 36th World Magazine Congress, which opened on Monday in Beijing.

Delegates are expecting closer cooperation and greater developing opportunities for a brighter future in the global media industry.

CRI's Xu Weiyi has the story.

The congress is one of the largest international conferences held in Beijing before the 2008 Olympic Games. It has caught much attention from both China and abroad.

Chen Zhili, Member of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, says that the congress is a platform to strengthen communication between China and other countries with regard to global media.

"We believe that the congress, like the coming 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, will help people all over the world to understand more, and more deeply, about China. The congress has attracted much wisdom and efforts from media practitioners world wide, a fact which could also lead the global periodical press to a higher level and push forward the progress of the human race."

Donald D. Kummerfeld, President and CEO of the International Federation of the Periodical Press, known as FIPP, says China is playing a more and more important part in leading the world's media and communication. That's why they chose Beijing as the hosting city.

Kummerfeld also expressed his expectations for the congress.

"Today, a record number of delegates from all over the world have come to Beijing, not only to see the remarkable country, but also to see the Chinese media industry up close, and to meet the Chinese editors and publishers to create a new, dynamic magazine industry."

Meanwhile, a large number of world-famous media figures are actively sharing their ideas and views as part of the congress. Hugo Chong, Executive Vice President of the International Data Group, is a pioneer in introducing international magazines to China.

"I think this meeting has also brought all the publishers all over the world to China, because the world is flat. Through this meeting, I think we can find partners in China to expand publications."

The World Magazine Congress, organized by the FIPP, is the most influential magazine industry event in the world. It is held every two years. The China Periodical Association joined the FIPP in 2000 and was selected as a Board member of the FIPP in 2004. 

This is the first time for the Chinese magazine industry to hold such a large-scale international event, and the organizing committee has chosen the Great Wall as the congress's logo to highlight Chinese culture.

Under the theme of 'Magazines enrich your world', delegates will discuss issues including digital strategies for traditional magazines, magazines in developing markets, audited circulation measurement and so on.

Xu Weiyi, CRI news.