To raise the international competitiveness of Chinese media, the country will seek to build world-class media through encouraging the expansion plans of outstanding publishing companies, officials said.

"We will further strengthen our broadcasting channels and enhance the country's influence on the international stage," Liu Binjie, director of the General Administration of Press and Publication said at a conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

He added that current publishing operations should be restructured to build several large leading companies that will enjoy greater competitiveness and influence.

"We will support and encourage the press and publication companies to develop expansion plans abroad," Liu said.

The draft of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) said about 10 key digital publishing companies with annual revenue surpassing 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) will be formed before 2015.

It added that another 20 key publishing organizations will be encouraged to set up overseas affiliates, branches or stores and to increase investment abroad.

"China has already become a surging power in the press and publication industry across the world," Liu said.

- Wang Qian

(China Daily 01/12/2011 page3)