HBL opened its branch in Gwadar Free Zone on Monday, making it the only bank to have a branch in Gwadar as well as China. With the launch of branch, HBL has achieved the monumental milestone of becoming the first branch to be opened in the new business centre in the Gwadar Free Zone. Last year, HBL had become the first Pakistani bank to open a branch in China. The branch was opened in Urumqi - a city with enormous potential. HBL is also the pioneer bank to offer a CNY account in Pakistan to facilitate business and continue playing its instrumental role in CPEC.

The branch was inaugurated by ambassador of China to Pakistan, Yao Jing, along with Zhang Baozhong, Chairman China Overseas Port holding Company Ltd and Rayomond Kotwal, Interim President and CEO, HBL. Speaking at the occasion, Rayomond stated, "Today HBL stands proud as it becomes the first bank with branches in Gwadar as well as China. We are honored to play a leading role in enabling the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, opening new avenues of business, trade and investment between the two countries."

To enable the development of CPEC, HBL offers a comprehensive product range covering corporate and individual customers. HBL offers financing, trade based facilities, guarantees, remittances, loans, debit and credit cards and much more. Our target market is not just limited to our customers in Pakistan and China but we aim to market CPEC opportunities across borders using our international reach and customer base.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2018