Beijing, Jan 15 (EFE).– China’s central bank said Friday it had extended 100 billion yuan ($15.18 billion) in loans to nine financial institutions, 10 days after announcing a similar operation to boost liquidity in the market.

The injection of funds, which comes amid a slowdown in China’s economy, was carried out via medium-term loans (six-month maturity) with an interest rate of 3.25 percent and is aimed at spurring financial entities to increase lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises and the agriculture sector.

On Jan. 5, the People’s Bank of China announced a $20-billion injection of short-term funds into the financial system – the largest amount in five months – through seven-day loans known as reverse repurchase agreements, or repos, at a 2.25 percent interest rate. EFE