India, China agree to enhance cooperation in media sector

India and China have agreed to initiate steps to include media cooperation as part of 2014 celebrations being observed to commemorate "Friendly Exchanges" between the two countries.

Both the countries agreed to proactively consider steps to promote high-level media exchanges and facilitation between the two nations. It has also been agreed to outline a roadmap to include specific projects / proposals as part of the initiative under the media domain to be considered under activities to mark the commemoration of "Friendly Exchanges" celebrations.

Both sides agreed that media could play an important role in acting as a bridge for better cooperation between the two countries by highlighting the positive aspects of the bilateral relationship.

This was agreed upon during the meeting between Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari and Cai Ming Zhao, Minister of State Council Information Office. The Chinese Minister met Tewari with a high-level delegation here today.

During the discussions between the two delegations it was also agreed to explore possible areas of cooperation in the field of capacity building, co-production agreements related to films, sharing of the experience of institutionalizing digitization in the broadcasting sector and enhanced participation during the film festivals being held in both countries.

It was also suggested that all possible areas could be identified under the aegis of the working group set up between the two countries. In view of the vibrant media and entertainment industry in both countries, both sides also agreed to share experiences with regard to strategy, policy initiatives, innovation and implementation across different media platforms.

During his interaction, Tewari apprised the Chinese Minister on the key initiatives taken by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to facilitate policies that promoted growth in the media and entertainment sector despite a slowdown witnessed in this sector across the world.

Tewari highlighted the growth potential of the Indian Media industry in the context of the growth of regional media markets, diversity of Indian media and the growing potential of the regional media across different media platforms.

He also highlighted the role of the Public broadcaster, Prasar Bharti in disseminating quality information through diverse media formats including the initiatives launched through the New Media.

The Chinese Minister apprised Tewari of the critical components that constituted the Chinese media landscape including the developments related to the new media.

He specifically outlined the role of media in fostering people-to-people contact between the two countries thereby acting as a catalyst for a positive relationship in the future.

Cai Ming Zhao extended an invitation to Tewari to visit China in 2014 as part of the celebrations to observe 2014 as the 'Year of Friendly Exchanges'.

The Chinese Minister is on a visit to India to participate in the first meeting of the India-China Media Forum being held in New Delhi today.