A grand seminar on translation opened Friday to discuss how to refine and export China's soft power to the world.

The Advanced Seminar on Building China's Language and Translation Abilities, which also has the theme "The Translation and Communication of Chinese Culture", will be held from May 16 - 19 at Beijing Language and Culture University. The event is sponsored and organized by China's Ministry of Culture, the Translators Association of China (TAC) and the university.

Wang Gangyi, vice president of the China International Publishing Group (CIPG) and secretary-general of the TAC, gives a keynote speech?at the Advanced Seminar on Building China's Language and Translation Abilities which is held in Beijing?on May 16, 2014. [China.org.cn]

Nearly 100 Chinese and foreign experts, diplomats, scholars and translators have been invited to participate in the seminar, and a further 400 people who have had long careers in translation and research will also attend.

The seminar is the biggest professional summit for language and translation so far in terms of scale and areas it covers. It will showcase the power and prospects for Chinese cultural translators and communications professionals.

Although China's translation industry is still booming, Wang Gangyi, vice president of the China International Publishing Group (CIPG) and secretary-general of the TAC, said that the lack of high-level professional talents and high-quality translations is a major factor preventing Chinese culture from being spread to the world, besides the limitations of the Chinese system and publishing channels.

He added: "President Xi Jinping has issued a clear demand for international communication in the new era. He stressed that it must be strengthened, to tell foreigners China's stories and allow China's voice to be heard. Therefore, raising the level of cultural translation is necessary, so that the international community can know China better and to help build China's image. Itwill also help promote cooperation between China and foreign countries, and push forward China and civilizations worldwide."

The seminar will have 400 participants, divided into 20 groups, from 40 government departments, universities and social institutes. They will discuss the challenges and opportunities Chinese translators are facing, and explore the translation of government policies, academic papers, heritage, culture, the arts, films, TV series and new media communication as well as talent training and improvements to the system.

Various foreign diplomats in China in cultural sectors and foreign translators will also share their thoughts and experience at the seminar.