Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi announced Chinese culture year in Italy at a press conference at the Chinese embassy Friday.

The culture year, which follows Italian year in China in 2006, will officially start in September.

"The Chinese culture year in Italy is set to be a central obelisk supporting further exchange between the two countries. It is a crucial project on which both governments have long been working," said Sun.

The ambassador said nine Chinese central government departments and 22 local authorities would be involved in organizing more than100 events all over Italy, including performances of traditional Chinese musical bands, dances and operas.

Meanwhile, business conferences will offer opportunities for important meetings between Chinese and Italian entrepreneurs and facilitate trade agreements.

The Italian government has nominated former culture minister Giuliano Urbani as coordinator of the organizing committee, which is composed of representatives from 13 Italian government ministries.

Sun said 2010, which marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, is set to be a crucial year for political and economic ties.

China-Italy ties were "in the best period ever in the history of diplomatic relations," the ambassador said.

Cooperation at all levels had recently been enhanced and Italy was a crucial partner for China, he added.

The press conference was the first of a series preparing the ground for the Chinese culture year in Italy.

The ambassador is scheduled to give a press conference at the beginning of each month of this year.

(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2010)