BEIJING, May.12 (China Daily) -- As one of the first cities in China to have patent-pledge loans, Qingdao will continue the policy and regard it as a focus in this year's IP efforts, said an official from the local technology authority. So far, 54.6 million yuan ($8.3 million) in loans has been approved to 16 small high-tech companies in the city, 46.6 million yuan of which has been granted. The first patent operation fund in Qingdao will also be launched this year.