Eyeing foreign markets for diverse growth

Bank of China Ltd, one of China's four biggest commercial lenders in market value, sees greater business potential by expanding into overseas markets.

"BOC, the most internationalized Chinese lender, seeks to be the right partner for many Chinese companies hoping to achieve more success by expanding abroad," said the bank.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) from China has risen steadily in the past nine years. Non-financial direct investments from China to 132 countries and regions exceeded $60 billion, 1.8 percent higher from a year earlier, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce on Jan 18.

FDI growth slowed down last year, Shen Danyang, spokesman of the ministry, said, but government policies that encourage enterprises to expand overseas would not change, and officials are prepared to carry on in support of these measures.

"Commercial lenders have become more aware of better business opportunities as global projects are becoming increasingly diversified. Bank of China will still focus on the national economy to attract more domestic clients. However, the bank is establishing a large international banking conglomerate that could carry forward more cross-border benefits," said Xiao Gang, board chairman of BOC.

Sinopec Group, one of the leading Chinese petroleum companies, has cooperated with BOC for 20 years out of the 29 years of its existence.

"Its current business relationship no longer just involves borrowing and lending, but has transformed into an all-round strategic partnership," said Liu Yun, chief accountant at Sinopec.

Liu said the bank enjoys special advantages with financing in foreign currencies on behalf of its corporate clients.

"It has built up lending centers in Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific regions to meet the demands of companies to provide a full range of services. As one of the biggest State-owned enterprises, Sinopec expects to cooperate with BOC in the long-term future."

The China Ocean Shipping (Group) Co (COSCO), one of the world's largest shipping companies, has also received remarkable benefits by cooperating with the bank.

"Our group wouldn't have become what it is today without a partnership with BOC," said Wei Jiafu, president and CEO of COSCO.

COSCO, founded in April 1966, has transformed from a traditional Chinese State-owned enterprise into a globally respected corporation.

Wei said the value of integrity as a core principle for BOC keeps customers loyal.

"Some groups may choose other banks to finance projects, but COSCO would remain a partner with BOC, since the bank caters to Chinese enterprises that are expanding overseas," he said.

huangmengxin@chinadaily.com.cn