Malta and China have signed a cultural agreement which will see China involved in several cultural projects in Malta.

Parliamentary Secretary Jose' Herrera, who has just returned from Beijing, said the agreement would provide for cultural exchanges, preservation and conservation of cultural heritage, audio-visual productions, local council projects and projects coordinated through V-18.

Dr Herrera said the projects would run between this year and 2018.

He said the Chinese State Broadcasting Authority may produce a documentary on Malta, which would be a major boost for tourism.

The Maltese Philharmonic Orchestra will also be visiting China.

Dr Herrera said he had also visited Chile to experience the summit of the International Federation of Arts and Culture Councils. Malta will host a similar summit in two years' time.