A session of dialogue on strengthening audiovisual cooperation between China and Arab countries was held in Hammamet, Tunisia, on the sidelines of the 26th edition of the Arab Radio and Television Festival of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU). The meeting brought together Arab and Chinese professionals in the sector to promote industrial audiovisual cooperation under the theme "Audiovisual Creativity and Moving Forward Together".
The Director-General of ASBU, Abdelrahim Souleiman, emphasized the importance of developing Sino-Arab cooperation in the audiovisual sector, citing its potential to bring peoples closer and consolidate ties between countries. He mentioned the launch of several initiatives to broadcast Chinese programs dubbed into Arabic on Arab television channels and Arabic programs dubbed into Chinese on Chinese channels.
Participants highlighted the role of artificial intelligence and new technologies in developing the sector and called for more training and workshops on their applications in audiovisual production. They also discussed the possibility of extending partnership to coproduction of content and financing, with the goal of promoting high-quality productions showcasing Chinese and Arab cultural heritage.
The partnership could lead to the creation of new content, including documentaries and other programs. Two documentaries, one on China from a Tunisian perspective and another on Tunisia from a Chinese perspective, were cited as examples of successful experiences promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
Chokri Ben Nessir, CEO of Tunisian Television, advocated for sustainable cooperation programs covering areas such as heritage, traditional medicine, sports, environment, and new technologies. He emphasized the need for durable and long-term partnerships to achieve meaningful results.
Participants called for continued efforts to establish a Sino-Arab audiovisual cooperation center, develop digital production, and strengthen joint broadcasting initiatives. They also stressed the importance of creating more opportunities for exchange and collaboration between China and Arab countries.
The session in Hammamet reflects the growing interest in strengthening ties between China and Arab countries in the audiovisual sector. With a focus on cooperation and mutual understanding, the discussions aim to promote cultural exchange and high-quality productions that showcase the rich heritage of both sides.
Key points
- China and Arab countries discuss ways to enhance audiovisual cooperation, including coproduction and cultural exchange.
- The partnership could lead to the creation of new content, including documentaries and other programs.
- Participants call for continued efforts to establish a Sino-Arab audiovisual cooperation center and develop digital production.
