A top Chinese official has called for greater efforts to build a harmonious culture and create a sound ideological environment for the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, addressed a national conference of publicity ministers held on Friday and Saturday.

Publicity work has seen breakthroughs at the beginning of the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010), greatly contributing to economic and social development, he said.

Li said the Party's leadership over publicity work should be strengthened and management at grassroots level be improved.

Meanwhile, more efforts should be exerted to train talents, build teams, and encourage innovation of publicity personnel, he said.

The Party's 17th National Congress will be held in Beijing in the second half of 2007.

Source: Xinhua