Jilin Publishing Group is an economic powerhouse, with its domestic market share ranking second in 2008. But with the shrinking of the market for low-profit books, the group needed to find new products to expand its influence.

Controlling 51 percent of shares in China Industrial & Commercial United Press gives Jilin Publishing House a niche publishing platform in Beijing.

"To become a national publishing group, Jilin Group needs to publish best-selling books on the economy to make its brand popular," the manager said.

Difficulties

The fact that the establishment of United Press Co. took a year and a half indicates that the reshuffle is by no means an easy task. Setting up joint ventures between local businesses and publishing houses under the Central Government requires approval from the many departments concerned. Due to the lack of related policies, publishing businesses hoping to restructure themselves have to communicate and coordinate with many sections of various ministries. They need to deal with Industrial & Commercial departments, as well as tax and financial sections, each with their own policies. There is urgent need for related integrated policy.

GAPP urged all state-owned publishing houses to finish restructuring by the end of 2010 and said the government would put private publishing ventures, a key part of the publishing industry, under the administration and regulation of the country's industry planning.

More interregional joint publishing ventures are expected to be established by the end of this year, since four or five publishing houses are in the process of signing framework agreements, according to a Publication Reference article published in June.