That is normal practice. As Mr. Faucher was explaining earlier, the Goethe Institute in Germany, Culturesfrance, Arts Council England and the Japan Foundation are some of the many organizations that support international touring by their artistic companies by defraying the costs of travel for personnel, as well as technical costs. That is an international practice followed by all countries. Some, France in particular, even pay performance fees to companies to promote their country through its culture and through the work of their artistic companies, whether we're talking about books, film or the performing arts. So, this is really a way of gaining increased visibility for their country. It is common practice.
On March 9th, 2009. See this statement in context.