India and China are looking to sign an audio-visual coproduction agreement for films. The agreement is in the final stages and is with the Ministry of External Affairs for its approval, a senior official said.

The coproduction agreement was first discussed between the two countries during a visit by a Chinese delegation led by Cai Fuchao, the Chinese Minister of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television in June last year.

India has signed coproduction treaties with several countries so far, including France, Germany, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Italy, New Zealand, Poland and Spain, among others.

Negotiations are on with Australia and Canada. Besides China, Japan, Turkey, Korea and Belarus have also shown interest in entering into co-production deals with India.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Bimal Julka is currently attending the Berlin Film Festival and is leading a delegation to promote India as a viable filming destination. The Ministry in a statement said Julka has had discussions with stakeholders representing various countries.

He said India’s co-production agreements were unique as they offered multiple benefits to foreign film producers and helped them harness the strengths India’s technically qualified manpower.

The Ministry has been working on a single-window clearance mechanism for prospective international film producers looking for permission to shoot in the country.

It has also released an India Film Guide at the festival, giving an overview about India’s film’s policies and is an effort to brand the identity of the Indian film industry and commemorate the celebration of 100 years of Indian cinema.

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