Claims that the Chinese government is back-pedaling on its
policy of allowing foreign investment in its broadcasting, film and
TV industries have been rejected by a senior Chinese TV and film
administration official. The policy wasn't going to be changed,
said the official.?
"China will stick to the opening-up and reform policy in the
broadcasting, film and TV industry," said Zhu Hong, general office
director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and
Television.
In Beijing addressing a broadcast, film and TV development forum
Zhu said there had been claims saying that?China's policy in
this respect had changed.
"This view distorted the facts and was wrong," said Zhu, noting
that?the policy remained unchanged and wouldn't change in the
future.
In 2004 the administration and the Ministry of Commerce jointly
issued two regulations on foreign investment in the film and TV
industry. This permitted foreign investors to hold no more than 49
percent of film and TV production joint ventures.
China opened up 921 cultural projects covering such fields as
film and television with a total value of about 70 billion yuan
(US$8.95 billion) in May in anticipation of attracting investment
from home and abroad.
And China has eased restrictions on access to the mainland
market for Hong Kong's film and television industry, according to a
senior official with the administration.
"Quota restrictions on the number of Hong Kong films in the
mainland market have been largely lifted," said Zhao Shi, deputy
director of the administration.
"China's broadcasting, film and TV industry is experiencing a
deep reform, which involves unprecedented areas and far-reaching
effects," Zhao said.?"The reform also provides strategic
opportunities for China's broadcasting, film and TV
industry."?
(Xinhua News Agency December 14, 2006)