India invites China to be focus country at Goa film fest

Julka invited China as the “Focus Country” in International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to be held in Goa in the month of November.

The Chinese counterpart Jiang readily agreed to actively consider the proposal. Both sides also discussed on finalization of the content to be showcased in the festival.

The delegations of both countries also had extensive discussion on issues pertaining to the mutual exchange of products, services and knowledge in the field of media and entertainment.

Both sides agreed to identify a roadmap for enhancing bilateral cooperation. 

Speaking further, Secretary, I&B proposed a student exchange programme between the film institutes of both countries as a step for strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations.

Both sides also emphasized the need for increasing participation in International Book Fairs like Delhi Book Fair to enhance cooperation in the Publication sector.

During the discussions, Secretary, I&B also touched upon the issues related to the restriction of Indian films in Chinese market and asked them to look into the matter sympathetically.

Jiang also mentioned the popularity of Indian movies in China and proposed to explore the possibility of exchange of content on the TV Channels in terms of Movies and Serials.

"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 government said in a statement.