Chinese television shows find new growth avenues in Arabian nations

Television programs from China are increasingly finding an audience in Arab nations, with a growing number keen to source original content, officials said on Wednesday.

Interest in original content programs like China's V-Day parade on Sept 3 was particularly high among viewers in countries in Tunisia and Egypt as they were able to witness the event live on their television sets, thanks to the signals aired by the Beijing-based CCTV News Content Co Ltd.

According to officials, interest in China-centered programs has peaked after the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping two years ago. The trade initiative runs through most of the Arab nations that were once part of the historic Silk Route and seeks to foster better relations and infrastructure connectivity among countries.