Bank of China has announced the opening of a Dublin branch, which will focus on corporate lending.

The bank is the world's fourth largest bank by capital and the new Dublin office is a sign of the growing importance of economic relations between Ireland and China.

Ireland is now home to three of the top four Chinese banks, all of which have set up international leasing centres here.

Bank of China is also the most internationalised of China's banks with more than 574 branches, offices and outlets in 51 countries and regions, including China.

The bank already has a presence in Ireland through its aircraft leasing operation, BOC Aviation (Ireland) Ltd, which will continue to operate as a separate business unit.

Bank of China said it has plans to build a diversified products and services platform in Ireland within two years.

Its target clients will be Chinese companies operating in Ireland, Irish companies with interests in China and multinationals with large offices in Ireland.

"As the most active Chinese bank in the international markets, the opening of our Dublin Branch will support the vision and determination of the Irish people," commented Tian Guoli, Chairman of Bank of China.

"I believe that a constant exchange of ideas and sharing of wisdom provides the best solution to the uncertainty of the world today," he added.

IDA Ireland's CEO Martin Shanahan said today's news speaks volumes about the strength of the relationship between Ireland and China.

"Chinese companies are now looking to internationalise their businesses and are viewing Ireland as the ‘gateway to Europe’ with a proven track record of being consistent, transparent and competitive," Mr Shanahan added.

來(lái)源：愛(ài)爾蘭廣播電視臺(tái)網(wǎng)  2017-06-28