I am often asked to contrast and share my perspective on two of the most exciting markets in the world - China and India.

So whenever there is an event that occurs which highlights the variance, it brings a wry smile.

Last week, The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) which regulates all content and media in China banned 25 video sharing website for "irregular content" and gave a stern warning to the market leadar Tudou ( the youtube of China). Now in the country with the largest broadband users in the world ( as per latest stats) that is a paradox. Media, content needs to be regulated..

In India on the other hand there are 85 channels ( 80% private) and another 300 coming the works ( all private).

As someone who tracks both countries very closely at a philosophical and travel industry level. It highlights where each country is strong and weak..

China - High broadband penetration - Low med deregulations

India - Low broadband penetration High media deregulation

So in soft industries (banking, entertainment, Software services), India scores. While in hard industries (manufacturing, capital goods), China is way ahead.

The same logic can also be applied to the travel industry. Indian travel services market is privatized, deregulated and entrepreneurial. China travel services market ( GDS, Airline regulation, travel retail) is highly regulated. So whereever there is information processing India scores

But Chinese airports are quantum leap better than India and for Boeing and Airbus, China is much bigger but for a GDS India is more addressable..

Of course the trends will converge over time. India is getting its infrastructure act to together and the winds of change are slow sweeping through travel services in China.