India asks China to end restrictions on films

New Delhi, June 3: India today asked

to end restrictions on its films in that country as the two sides expressed desire for cooperation in the area for which they favoured setting up of a Joint Working Group.

During a Secretary-level meeting here, the Chinese side mentioned the popularity of Indian movies in China and proposed that the possibility of exchange of content on the TV Channels in terms of movies and serials should be explored. Information and Broadcasting Secretary Bimal Julka, who led the Indian delegation, "touched upon the issues related to the restriction of Indian films in Chinese market and asked them to look into the matter sympathetically," an official release said.

The Chinese side was headed by Jiang Jianguo, Vice Minister for SAPPRFT (State Administration for Press, Publicity, Radio, Film & TV). "During the deliberations, both sides exchanged notes regarding the relevance of new media in the domain of communications. Both sides stressed upon the need of a separate Joint Working Group on films and related sectors.

"Secretary, I&B pointed out that such a framework could help in expediting issues related to co-production agreement in film sector," the release said. Later talking to reporters, Jiang said, "I and the secretary had a very constructive dialouge and discussions on issues which both sides are very much interested. The cultural exchange and culture promotion is very important to the bilateral ties of India and China."

PTI