Business
China revamps lending initiative to developing countries as it reins in risk on November 7, 2023 at 5:30 pm Business News | The Hill
Published
11 months agoon
By
China is revamping the Belt and Road Initiative that pumped billions of dollars in grants and loans into developing countries over the last 10 years, as it attempts to rein in the risks that plagued its earlier investments, according to a new report released on Monday.
The Asian nation has shifted its attention to reducing the risk of not being repaid, its exposure to environmental, social or governance (ESG) factors and potential damage to its reputation in the developing world, the report from AidData, a research lab at William & Mary, found.
“Beijing has launched a far-reaching effort to de-risk the (Belt and Road Initiative) by refocusing its time, money, and attention on distressed borrowers, troubled projects, and sources of public backlash in the Global South,” the report said.
“It is learning from its mistakes and becoming an increasingly adept international crisis manager,” it added.
With more than half of its loans now in repayment, China is facing the fallout from the lack of guardrails in place at the outset of its Belt and Road Initiative. About 19 percent of borrowers had fallen behind on repayments as of 2021, up from 7 percent in 2000, according to the report.
As a result, Beijing is shifting away from infrastructure project lending — once a central feature of its initiative — and moving toward emergency rescue lending to ensure its borrowers “have enough cash on hand to service their outstanding infrastructure project debts,” the report said.
It has also sought to put in place more stringent ESG safeguards, with the risk prevalence rate in the country’s infrastructure project portfolio falling from 63 percent in 2018 to 33 percent in 2021, according to the report.
This shift comes as the U.S. and its allies have ramped up their own lending to the developing world in recent years in an effort to compete with Beijing. In 2021, America committed $61 billion to low- and middle-income countries, narrowing the gap with China.
Beijing has also pulled back slightly on its investments to developing countries. It committed $79 billion to low- and middle-income countries in 2021, down from an average of $117 billion a year between 2013 and 2017.
However, the report warned that Western nations don’t “seem to have a good understanding” of the recent changes China has made to its Belt and Road Initiative.
“Consequently, those who make and shape policy in Washington, London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Rome, and Ottawa increasingly run the risk of competing with a version of the BRI that no longer exists,” the report noted.
Business, International, News, Technology, belt and road initiative, China, esg China is revamping the Belt and Road Initiative that pumped billions of dollars in grants and loans into developing countries over the last 10 years, as it attempts to rein in the risks that plagued its earlier investments, according to a new report released on Monday. The Asian nation has shifted its attention to reducing…
Advice
10 Tips To Creating Quality YouTube Content on a Budget
Published
6 days agoon
October 4, 2024Producing engaging YouTube videos doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right strategies and tools, you can create high-quality content that resonates with your audience without overspending.
Define Clear Objectives
Before you start filming, establish your goals. Are you aiming to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or boost video views? Your objectives will guide your content strategy and help you measure success.
Create Compelling Content
Invest time in developing high-quality video concepts. According to Analytics Partners, video content has twice the lasting impact of non-video content. Focus on creating content that resonates with your audience and aligns with your brand messaging.
Leverage Smartphone Technology
Modern smartphones offer excellent video quality. For example, the iPhone 12 Pro can shoot 4K video at 60 fps, rivaling many dedicated cameras. Pair your smartphone with a basic tripod and external microphone for professional-looking results.
Optimize Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for video quality. Natural light is free and effective. Position yourself near a window or invest in affordable lighting options like ring lights, which typically cost between $20-$100.
Post-Production and Optimization
Use Free Editing Software
Take advantage of free or low-cost editing tools. DaVinci Resolve, for instance, offers professional-grade editing capabilities at no cost for its basic version.
Optimize for SEO
YouTube’s algorithm considers factors like view count, engagement, watch time, and relevance when recommending videos[2]. Use keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to improve discoverability. For example, including relevant keywords in your title can increase views by up to 20%.
Engagement Strategies
Prioritize Community Engagement
Respond to comments and interact with your audience. YouTube puts recent comments front-and-center in your analytics dashboard, encouraging timely responses. This engagement can lead to higher watch times and subscriber growth.
Experiment with YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are amassing tens of billions of views daily. Creating Shorts content can increase your channel’s visibility and engagement without requiring significant production resources.
Budget-Friendly Marketing Tactics
Leverage Remarketing
Implement remarketing campaigns to re-engage viewers who have already interacted with your content. This targeted approach can be more cost-effective than broad audience targeting.
A/B Testing
Experiment with different video formats, thumbnails, and titles. YouTube’s own data shows that 90% of top-performing videos have custom thumbnails. A/B testing can help you identify what resonates best with your audience without additional production costs.
Real-Life Example
Consider the case of Peter McKinnon, a photographer and filmmaker who started his YouTube channel in 2010. Using primarily his smartphone and basic editing software, he grew his channel to over 5 million subscribers. His success came from consistently delivering valuable content, engaging with his audience, and gradually improving his production quality as his channel grew.
By implementing these strategies, you can create engaging YouTube content that resonates with your audience without overspending. Remember, the key is to focus on delivering value and consistently improving based on audience feedback and performance metrics.
Author: Bolanle Media Staff
As a film industry professional, you’re likely no stranger to the hard work and dedication required to bring a project to life. However, you may not be aware of the crucial role film festivals play in advancing your career and the industry as a whole. Let’s revisit the importance of film festivals and how they can benefit you and your work:
Film festivals provide a platform for your work to be seen by a wider audience, including critics, distributors, and industry leaders. This exposure can lead to recognition, awards, and critical acclaim, which can boost your reputation and open doors to new opportunities.
From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:
“Explore the ‘Film Festival Submitter’s Handbook 2024,’ your ultimate guide to conquering the film festival circuit. Whether you’re a filmmaker or screenwriter, this essential resource provides practical strategies to navigate the competitive landscape of film festivals successfully. From crafting compelling titles, taglines, and synopses to creating impactful director’s and writer’s statements, this handbook equips you with the tools to shine in the festival circuit. Learn to develop effective marketing materials, including posters and trailers, and discover the importance of communication and presenting a professional package. With insights tailored to the evolving role of social media and marketing in the film industry, this handbook is your key to festival triumph. Get your copy now and embark on your journey to festival success!”
Author: Bolanle Media Staff
Business
Laugh, Learn, and Connect: Houston Comedy Film Festival Oct 5th
Published
1 week agoon
September 30, 2024Located in: EADO Workspaces
The Houston Comedy Film Festival is set to return on October 5th, 2024, and it promises to be an exciting day filled with laughter, learning, and networking opportunities for comedy enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers alike. This year, the festival welcomes Roselyn Omaka as the new festival director, bringing her expertise and innovative vision to the event.
Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions led by industry professionals. Joan Montreuil from The Newbie Film Academy will provide invaluable insights into financing films and raising capital, helping aspiring filmmakers navigate the often complex world of film funding. Meanwhile, Deloris from DD’s Showbiz will host an interactive acting workshop designed to enhance participants’ skills and confidence in front of the camera.
Although LemarKus Tinker from Friday Night Lights won’t be attending in person, he will offer an exciting virtual one-on-one guidance session for aspiring directors. This unique opportunity allows participants to connect directly with him from the comfort of their homes, gaining personalized advice and insights that can help shape their directorial vision. Imagine having a chance to ask questions and receive feedback from a seasoned professional in the industry—this virtual interaction is sure to be a highlight!
In addition to these educational opportunities, festival winners will have the chance to receive valuable resources from sponsors to further improve their films and business outcomes. This support could be the stepping stone that many emerging talents need to make their mark in the competitive world of filmmaking.
The festival kicks off at 12 PM sharp, so attendees are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early to ensure they don’t miss any of the action. It’s important to note that everyone must purchase a ticket to attend this fantastic event. Tickets are available for $50, which grants full access to all festival activities. Attendees can purchase their tickets through different platforms: filmmakers (not screenwriters) are encouraged to buy their tickets on filmfestivalcircuit.com, while guests and screenwriters should secure their tickets via meetup.com/bolanlemedia. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the day of the event.
The Houston Comedy Film Festival has been a cornerstone of the independent film community since its inception in 2008 by author and retired filmmaker Mikel Fair. Over the years, it has consistently ranked in the FilmFreeway Top 100, cementing its status as a must-attend event for comedy filmmakers and fans.
With Roselyn Omaka’s leadership, the star-studded lineup of industry professionals, and the diverse array of films and activities planned, the 2024 Houston Comedy Film Festival is shaping up to be an unmissable experience. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a comedy enthusiast, or simply looking for a day filled with laughter and learning, this festival has something for everyone.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of comedy filmmaking. Grab your tickets now and be part of the Houston Comedy Film Festival experience! Join us on October 5th at the Coronation Theatre in Houston for a day of creativity, laughter, and cinematic celebration! Your next big break could be waiting for you!
Author: Bolanle Media Staff
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