The media and publishing industry will face pressure to speed up
development and reform this year, while non-state capital is set to
make a significant input into this business.
At
a high-level meeting of the State Press and Publication
Administration yesterday in Beijing, the administration head Shi
Zongyuan reiterated that press and publication administrations at
all levels should focus on market supervision according to law,
leaving state enterprises more space for self development.
It
also plans to expand the openings for non-state capital into the
industry this year.
As
foreign capital will also be gradually allowed to enter the
business, the administration both encourages and supports
development of non-state areas of media and publishing.
"To achieve this, more policies will be further adjusted and more
regulations will be revised in the field," Shi said.
Last year, foreign capital was allowed to enter the country's print
business.
By
November 2002, the administration had approved 92 printing
companies with foreign investment totaling US$55.2 million, the
administration's year-end report revealed.
The administration has also been taking active steps to prepare for
entry of foreign capital into the publication distribution business
in the near future, in accordance with the country's World Trade
Organization commitments.
In
order to compete effectively against the incoming foreign giants in
the industry, China's media and publishing industry has been
carrying out reforms, aimed at boosting both their economic
strength and human resources.
Last year, a number of new groups emerged.
According to the administration's latest statistics, the newly
formed groups include three in the publishing business, three in
distribution, one magazine and 13 newspapers, taking the total
number around the country, so far, to 55.
(China Daily January 16, 2003)