Hong Kong-Canada film co-productions to tap China market

The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) offers a gateway for Canadian film companies to tap the huge Chinese film market by partnering with Hong Kong-based companies, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Canada, Mr Bassanio So, said today.

Addressing a film seminar in Toronto, attended by Canadian film directors, producers and professionals, Mr So said they could capitalise on the tremendous business opportunities presented by CEPA.

The free-trade agreement, signed between Hong Kong and the Mainland in June, allows films co-produced with Hong Kong to enjoy quota-free and unlimited access to the Mainland film market starting from January 1, 2004.

Mr So said the relaxation of the co-production requirements on film-making paved the way for overseas film companies, including those in Canada, to gain a foothold in Mainland China.

The seminar was organised as Hong Kong's contribution to the 7th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival which ends on Sunday (November 30).

Apart from the <1:99 Short Film Series>, the HKETO also organised a photo exhibition, which is on display at the National Film Board.

Other panellists at the seminar included Harriet Heller, Senior Investment Analyst of Telefilm Canada; Ricky Chan, a veteran Hong Kong producer and Anita Lee, the Film Festival President and Co-founder of Reel Asian.

Ends/Friday, November 28, 2003