MUMBAI: Imax has welcomed China’s move to import more Hollywood films after recent deal signed by the Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping and Hollywood studios.

Imax is one of the key beneficiaries of the loosening of policy on foreign media by China."We are pleased that the new agreement highlights Imax and allows for even greater flexibility to bring Imax films into China within a structure that fosters more growth and collaboration," Imax CEO Richard Gelfond said in a statement.

Toronto-based Imax has taken 15 years to slowly build its presence in China, where it currently has in all 217 theatres.

"We believe this significant development will help us further our network expansion efforts and enable Imax to continue providing Chinese consumers with great films from both Hollywood and China," Gelfond added.

The Canadian-based exhibitor has had box office success in China with local language titles like Aftershock and Flying Swords of Dragon Gate.