Fuzhou - Fujian's animation industry is expected to bring in 10 billion yuan ($1.47 billion) in 2012 as the East China province is keen to take the advantage of its geographic and economic proximity to the animation giant Taiwan.

This will represent a 45 percent annual growth and will make Fujian a leader among all Chinese provinces in terms of the industry.

The provincial government has recently released a blueprint for the animation industry, the fifth in three years, to fuel the sector. This echoes the central government's call to make China a major player in the global animation industry in five to ten years.

The blueprint calls for plans to lure Taiwan animation talents and enterprises as Taiwan starts relocating its animation industry. Incentives in the blueprint include moves to encourage Taiwan companies to subcontract to local firms some jobs such as research and development, production, training and marketing.

As well, it urges Fujian's universities and training institutes to partner with their counterparts in Taiwan and developed economies to nurture management and marketing professionals who are up to international standards.

Fujian also plans to establish animation production bases in Fuzhou and Xiamen.

Industry insiders believe Fujian's animation industry has a rosy future, although it is still short of talents and has an incomplete industry chain.

A key advantage is that Fujian enjoys strong ties with Chinese Taiwan.

It has nurtured a number of high-end planners, directors, brand builders and marketing professionals.

Editor: Tang Zhi