The Union government has started consultation with various industry associations and companies to chalk out strategies for the WTO round negotiations on the audio-visual sector.
The ministry of information and broadcasting called a meeting of various industry associations like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF), and Film Federation of India on Tuesday for initial consultations.India's audio-visual sector is seeking the removal of local content and other restrictions on the distribution of films and broadcast services imposed by different countries. Cross border restrictions by certain countries are also an area of concern. The IBF wants lifting of ban on Indian movies by certain countries as a major concern of the government in negotiations.
Industry analysts point out that the negotiations should be carried out on the basis of the objectives underlined in Article IV of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The article states that increasing participation of developing countries in world trade shall be facilitated through negotiated commitments.