COME February, the Jamaican media, through the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ), will be introduced to two new Chinese programmes — Romance of Parents and Run Into Good Luck .

This is as a result of an agreement signed between China Radio International (CRI) and the PBCJ on Friday to share broadcast content to be aired in both countries.

Programmes manager at PBCJ, Carol Francis, who brokered the deal in China last year during a seminar for journalists and editors of Jamaica in Beijing from May 3 to 24, explained to the Jamaica Observer that the shows will come under a slot called Chinese Theatre and will run once a week with a repeat for one year. Both shows come to PBCJ free of cost.

“The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television has been the driving force behind this. We are indebted to all of you, especially China Radio International for providing two popular TV shows which we know will be a hit,” Francis said.

“I want to express thanks to the staff at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China who worked hard to make this possible. This agreement commits us to working together more for a common goal. It’s another step to engaging us, a broadcasting entity, to compete in a sense with the world.”

In return for the two programmes, Francis said when PBCJ completes its tourism series and environment programmes, those will be shared with CRI.

Chairman of the board at the PBCJ Gladstone Wilson expressed his gratitude to CRI and underscored that he was happy to establish this relationship, as he looks forward to the programmes airing as well as the sharing of content in the future and creating stronger ties.

Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica Niu Qingbao lauded the partnership as a “big deal” and highlighted that it was the first of its kind.

“We usually do a bit of investment and trade, but to enter into an agreement of this category, it’s the first. Thanks to both entities for making history,” he said.

Niu expressed his confidence that the programmes would be well received by the Jamaican populace.

“I have no doubt they’ll be popular out here. The signing of this agreement will be brief, but the friendship will be longer,” he said.