Question : VISIT TO FRANCE AND ENGLAND



(a) whether she had been on tour to France and England during the third week of May, 2001; and

(b) if so, what has been the outcome of her visit to these countries?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)


(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) As a result of IBM`s meeting with the French Minister for Culture and Communications, both countries agreed on setting up a Sub-Group on films under the aegis of the Indo-French Forum. The visit also included a stopover at the ongoing Cannes Film Market where India had set up an Indian Pavilion for the first time to promote Indian films and software by providing a common platform for all Indian participants to interact with their counter parts from various countries.

The visit of IBM to Cannes focused Media attention on the Indian Pavilion and on Indian films. In London IBM`s visit covered institutions connected with the film and broadcasting industries including the BBC.