The Gansu Branch of Construction Bank of China has pledged a 100-million yuan (12 million U.S. dollars) loan to Northwest Normal University in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, to improve its education facilities.

According to Zhao Jinbao, dean of the university, the loan will be used in the next three years mainly for construction of major school buildings, renovation of key experimental labs and application and development of new technology.

Major projects, such as the renovation and expansion of Dunhuang Art School, construction of dormitories for foreign students and graduates will start next year, he added.

The bank has been aiding the school for years with annual loans, with priority given to its infrastructure construction.

One of the oldest normal universities in China, Northwest Normal University has seven colleges and 16 departments. It is one of the most comprehensive universities in China.