BEIJING - The chief of the Taiwan cultural affairs authority Mrs. Lung Ying-tai is welcome to visit the mainland in proper capacities,?Chinese mainland?Minister of Culture Cai Wu told the press Tuesday.

Cai attended a press conference hosted by the State Council Information Office to introduce a plan to protect and showcase cultural resources in northwestern Gansu province, as part of a drive to promote cultural prosperity and support economically underdeveloped regions.

Answering questions during the press conference, Cai did not say whether he will invite Mrs. Lung to visit the mainland and to tour the Hexi Corridor, a major section of the ancient Silk Road in the province of Gansu.

After the press conference he said, "I have conveyed a message to Mrs. Lung Ying-tai and welcomed her to visit the Chinese mainland in proper capacities."

In addition to head of Taiwan's cultural affairs authority, Mrs. Lung is a renowned writer.

Cai visited Taiwan in 2010 as the honorary chairman of the mainland-based China Friendship Association of Cultural Circles to boost cultural exchanges between the two sides.