Canada and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have signed an Audiovisual Coproduction Treaty. The treaty will strengthen ties between both the nations, as it will allow producers to combine creative, technical and financial resources to create audiovisual coproductions. The treaty will also help in major employment generation.
Speaking about the treaty, Chris Alexander, citizenship and immigration minister, Government of Canada, said, ?This treaty is a great achievement for both the countries. Canada has a lot to offer in terms of locations, technical support and also attractive incentives. For our country’s economy, cultural and film industry both plays a very important role.?
Shelly Glover, minister of Canadian heritage and official languages, said, ?Our Government has actively set out to make Canada a coproduction partner of choice and an even better place to do business. We have good reasons to be celebrating today as the treaty between Canada and India is the very first to come in effect since the implementation of Canada?s Policy on Audiovisual Treaty Coproduction in 2013.?
The treaty also has potential to increase tourism between both the countries. Also, the Canadian government has takes some positive steps regarding the renewal of visa for the Indian travellers. A tourist can acquire a 10 years multiple entry visa to Canada within five working days, if he has visited Canada at least once in the last 10 years. ?This treaty will surely influence tourism. We do produce a lot of American films and television shows in our country, but we know that the Indian film industry is one of the biggest industries. So I think film tourism will tremendously increase between both the nations,?added Alexander.
The treaty presents significant opportunities for jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity in Canada as it attracts foreign investment and creates business opportunities for the audiovisual industry, and generates employment for Canadians through audiovisual coproductions that may not have been made otherwise.