China's central bank vows to open financial sector further

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-03-17 13:59

By March 4, a total of 9.995 billion U.S. dollars of investment quotas had been granted to 49 QFIIs.

Meanwhile, channels will also be expanded to allow Chinese investment in foreign financial markets.

The bank said it would ease restrictions on enterprises and individuals possessing and using foreign currencies and increase the number of qualified domestic institutional investors (QDIIs) and the value of their investment quotas.

"We will make use of the financial market to achieve balanced international payments," said the bank.

Last year, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) raised the annual quota for individuals buying foreign currency from 20,000 U.S. dollars to 50,000 U.S. dollars.
"China will strive for a more efficient and vigorous financial market that can better serve international needs," the bank said.

The country will adjust its financial market rules so they are accepted around the world, encourage innovation and promote more flexible, diversified ways of trading, according to the bank.

China fully opened its financial market to foreign capital on December 11 last year, ending a five-year transitional period after entering the World Trade Organization.


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