BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- China has started a reform on the publishing houses controlled by departments and organs of the central government, a senior official said Thursday.

    Liu Yunshan, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remark at a meeting with bosses of those publishing houses held in Beijing.

    The reform is aimed at transforming the publishing houses from government-like affiliating organs to independent publishing companies responsible for their own profit and loss.

    Liu urged the publishing houses to complete the reform by the end of 2010, saying the reform will increase their competitive abilities in the market.

    The official reminded that all the publishing houses should always prioritize social benefit and keep a right direction of advanced socialist culture for their publications.

    Liu said the central government controlled publishing houses have made great contribution to meeting the people's cultural needs, and increasing the national's scientific and literacy level.

    He said the reform is quite essential since the publishing houses are lack of vitality and competitive strength.