The Export-Import Bank of China (China EximBank) said it has issued 300 billion yuan (about 43.88 billion U.S. dollars) of loans to the country's foreign trade sector during the first quarter of this year, with funds flowing into artificial intelligence, green electricity equipment, new foreign trade business models and related sectors.
Of the total, 40 percent of the new loans was directed toward stabilizing foreign trade entities and key industrial chains, while 35 percent supported direct import and export trade activities.
The bank placed special emphasis on financing the export of artificial intelligence and green electricity products, and the large-scale development of new foreign trade business models including cross-border e-commerce and overseas warehouses.
The China Eximbank is a state-funded and state-owned policy bank dedicated to supporting China's foreign trade, investment and international economic cooperation.
China EximBank extends 300 bln yuan of loans to foreign trade sector in Q1
The 16th Beijing International Film Festival unfolded a "water red carpet" along a section of the Grand Canal in Tongzhou District, its sub-venue, on Friday night, when dazzling lights and illuminations brought the ancient waterway vividly to life.
The "water red carpet" stretched 3.3 kilometers on the canal, the world's longest and oldest man-made waterway spanning roughly 1,794 km, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Five tour boats carried guests on the water, and after that they stepped onto a 100-meter red carpet along the waterfront.
Another highlight of the evening was the official premiere and maiden voyage of Journey on the Canal, a large-scale water spectacle performance that is part of activities held by the film festival's Tongzhou sub-venue.
With real scenes of the Grand Canal as the backdrop and stage, spectators from tour boats with panoramic ceilings enjoyed the 55-minute immersive performance that presents the canal's thousand-year history along a 3.5-kilometer stretch of the river.
Designed by renowned artist Han Meilin, the production features artistic installations in combination with advanced technology, including stunning water curtain projections, laser displays and dynamic lighting effects.
Tongzhou District, located in the southeast of Beijing, serves as the sub-center of the Chinese capital. The area is developing into a modern urban hub while preserving its rich Grand Canal heritage.
The festival is running from April 16 to 25.
Beijing film festival unfolds 'water red carpet' on Grand Canal
