China’s State Council Information Office (SCIO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the US National Geographic Society (NGS) and venture capital organization International Data Group (IDG) on Sept 16 to promote the Chinese culture and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Under the MOU, IDG and NGS will hold, on a regular or irregular basis, various photo exhibits in both countries, which will be themed on China by leveraging NGS’s large photo library such as the centennial collection of photographs on China and vast experience in China exhibits.

NGS will use its digital networks, TV channels and theaters to publicize China’s national scenery, history, humanities, culture, science and technology and cooperate with China’s leading TV stations in the field of TV program production and exchange.

NGS will also cooperate with SCIO and IDG to organize more National Geographic branded China-themed museum exhibits based on its experience in successfully hosting the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses exhibits in the US in an effort to enhance cooperation in the area of museums between the two countries.

IDG will assist NGS in its efforts to digitize its image library, which is expected to begin with images on China so as to present China’s brilliant civilizations to the world through a fresh, unique perspective.

The MOU was signed by Guo Weimin, vice minister of the SCIO, Terry Adamson, executive vice president of the NGS, and Xiong Xiaoge, executive vice president of the IDG at a ceremony at NGS headquarters in Washington, D.C.