Export Promotion Council for films, TV mooted

New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) The Government has requested the stakeholders of the entertainment industry to consider setting up an Export Promotion Council/Forum for the film and television sector in terms of the guidelines of the Department of Commerce, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting P R Dasmunsi said in a written answer that as per the guidelines, the Export Promotion Council/Forum is to be constituted by at least 50 per cent of the exporters representing at least 75 per cent of the value of exports of the film industry in the previous year.

Further action would taken on receipt of proposal from the industry, the Minister said.

Mr Dasmunsi said export promotion continued to be a major thrust area for the Government. In view of the prevailing emphasis on exports and to facilitate various measures being undertaken to stimulate and diversify the country's export trade, Marketing Development Assistance Scheme was under operation through the Department of Commerce to assist Export Promotion Councils to undertake export promotion activities for their products and commodities.

Recognised EPCs are eligible for MDA assistance for development and promotion of activities to promote exports of their products and commodities from India. This is expected to benefit entertainment industry as a whole.

UNI