Philippines Dancing on the Water

the culture and history of these countries, and will certainly strengthen ties in business, culture and tourism industry between China and ASEAN countries.

Culture is the soul of a nation, and it plays an increasingly important role in the development of a country or area. On December 12, 2005, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao proposed that transportation, energy, culture, tourism and public health be made the five new key areas of China-ASEAN cooperation during the China-ASEAN summit. Culture has officially become a special area of cooperation, which will surely enrich the contents of the cooperation. The establishment of the free trade zone needs not only the flow of production factors but also the exchange of culture. Culture cooperation and exchange between China and ASEAN can build a stable and attractive cultural area which will pave the way for commodities and personnel flow. The active exchange in culture between China and ASEAN will provide both sides with a prosperous market for cultural industry. Since culture plays an important part in the modern world and the process of building up the China-ASEAN free trade zone, The Cultures of Ten ASEAN Countries

will focus on various aspects of cultures in these countries, and be a valuable series systematically introducing the culture of ten ASEAN countries to the world.

For more than a century, we have gradually become acquainted with the western countries which are far away from us, but by contrast we have become estranged from our neighbors. This series, written by a group of famous writers who know the cultures and customs of the ten ASEAN countries well, are well designed to introduce readers to the charming characteristics of the people and various aspects of their culture. These books are well-designed and illustrated with many fine images from these countries so that you can find them a good channel to get more about the people, their long history and rich cultural traditions, and the close relationship between China and her neighbors which has lasted for hundreds of years.

This series will significantly and greatly help to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between China-ASEAN member countries and help to accelerate the building of the free trade zone.

June 6, 2006