CHANGZHOU, Jiangsu: The city's animators have come a long way, but they must continue to innovate and upgrade to compete with overseas players, said a culture ministry official.

"After years of development, animation and cartoon technology has improved greatly. But we still have a lot to do to promote the animation industry, especially in the areas of research and development and innovation," said Zhang Xinjian, deputy director of the Ministry of Culture's marketing bureau, at the opening of the 2007 China (Changzhou) International Animation Art Festival on Thursday.

Innovation and improved technology has propelled the animation industry in recent years, said Ju Liqin, vice-mayor of Changzhou, at the festival.