During the International Cartoon Image Forum held on August 25, Mr. Hu Zhanfan, deputy director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, said that foreign capital will be taken for the animated picture industry under the premises that the majority of shares of an animation enterprise are still controlled by the domestic fund in order to promote the further development of the domestic animation industry.

This is first time that foreign capital was verbally allowed entry to the industry, and although no relevant offical document has been issued at this time, it does suggest that the Chinese government is determined to develop the industry quickly, and that the production and broadcasting of cartoons is to be separated. So far, according to Mr. Hu, five groups in Shanghai have collected CNY150 million for the establishment of an animation company. Meanwhile, CCTV and BTV are busy preparing for their own cartoon-making company.

In addition to the animation industry, paid TV programs will also be opened up to foreign capital, with joint ventures likely to be allowed between Chinese and foreign investors provided that Chinese investors hold the majority share.