Netherlands, China agree on film co-production, fresh food trade deals

The Netherlands signed two very promising agreements with China this week. On Monday State Secretary Sharon Dijksma of Economic Affairs signed a vegetable trade deal involving paprika peppers with China. The two countries also signed a co-production deal to facilitate film alliances. The Netherlands one of the first countries to supply China with these peppers. The government expects that the market value of these Dutch vegetables can rise to around 15 million euros in the next five years. "China is the larges paprika pepper producer in the world and an agricultural superpower. But the demand for high quality and safe products is increasing and then China also looks to the Netherlands with its innovative and sustainable greenhouses." State Secretary Dijksma said. The Netherlands and China hopes that the film co-production deal will help boost cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries. Movies co-produced under the agreement will be considered national films and have access to financing in both countries, Variety reports. The pact gives Dutch film access to China's booming market. "The established framework offers thorough opportunities for inspiring new collaborations between the Dutch and Chinese film industry." Doreen Boonekamp, CEO of the Netherlands Film Fund, said to Variety. "We look forward to explore co-production possibilities in particular in the field of documentary, animation and children's films in which our Chinese counterparts specifically expressed their interest."