November 15, 2007 -- Richard Lee, Asia's richest man, will invest in the cartoon industry in Chongqing via cooperation between his media company Global Digital Creations Holdings Limited (GDC) and the Chongqing High-tech Zone's government, Chongqing Business Daily reported. According to the plan, they will together set up a digital media service platform to produce cartoons.

As the fifth largest digital cartoon producer in the world, GDC will provide training for professionals in the high-tech zone. With an estimated first phase investment of 5 million yuan (US$673,000). However, the main responsibility for the platform will rest with the high-tech zone government, with an estimated first phase investment of 6 million yuan (US$807,000), reported the Chongqing Daily. The platform will provide cartoon companies with a motion capture system and a 3D center to help reduce costs.

Besides GDC, the Chongqing High-tech Zone will also introduce other cartoon giants including Beijing Glorious Animation Co. and Taiwan Tomorrow Science & Technology (China) Corporation.