China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp., the state-owned enterprise responsible for China's space program, and New World Group, a Hong Kong conglomerate, announced Monday to create a joint venture through Hong Kong listed subsidiaries.

The China Aerospace New World Technology Ltd, (CANW) formed by China Aerospace International Holdings Ltd (CASIL) and New World Infrastructure Ltd. (NWI), will focus on interactive cable and satellite digital TV and the development of other satellite technologies.

CASIL and NWI have both actively pursued digital TV initiatives with the development of the unique technologies, the establishment of marketing foundation and services in select mainland provinces.

According to the agreement, NWI contributes unique interactive digital TV technology, a cable TV network in Fujian Province, market survey, value-added services supplications and capital markets experience to CANW.

The newly formed joint venture will initially serve the cable and satellite digital TV market in the mainland. Through the services of the advanced digital TV and the creation of an aggressive sales, CANW aims to substantially increase the value of its services and products.

The company aims to reach over 2 million subscribers in the mainland over the coming two-year period. In addition, it will market digital TV satellite services to hotels three star and above, high-end residential complexes, institutions and universities.

In the second phase, CANW will increase its operating area while accelerating its promotion of satellite services with a focus on video-on-demand services, stock information, e-commerce and long-distance education, etc.

(People's Daily October 28, 2003)