BEIJING -- China and Singapore are to step up levels of entertainment industry cooperation.

The two countries will start new collaboration with involvement in each other's festivals, it was announced Friday in Beijing by Media Development Authority of Singapore and China's State Administration for Radio Film and Television.

"We can build even stronger ties between the people in China and Singapore," Luan Guozhi, director of int'l co-op at China's Film Bureau, said.

First example is a six title Singapore Film Festival in Beijing to run Oct 13-18 in the margins of the wider Singapore Season cultural event.

Simultaneously an inaugural China-Singapore Media Business Forum will involve companies from both countries.

Two gov'ts expect to follow up with signing of a memo of understanding promoting bilateral media development.

Chinese films will be given place of honor at Singapore fest at unspecified date in 2008.

Singapore is keen to expand its entertainment sector into a regional pole and is increasingly positioning itself as a business gateway between China and the rest of the world.

"Singapore companies are expected to announce new joint ventures and co-production. Projects with Chinese partners next month," MDA CEO Dr Christopher Chia, said.

 

(Written by Patrick Frater, 21 September 2007, www.varietyasiaonline.com)