BOC Singapore Branch launches 80th anniversary exhibition

SINGAPORE, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Exhibition on the 80th Anniversary of Bank of China (BOC) Singapore Branch, which is the first exhibition on history of BOC hosted by its overseas branch, officially opened to the public on Friday.

Located on the first floor of BOC Singapore Branch's building, the exhibition showcases the history of BOC Singapore Branch's entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia in seven units with photos, documents, videos and historical relics.

The exhibition tells stories of how BOC Singapore Branch gathering funds from the Chinese in Southeast Asia to support the Anti-Japanese War in the early years, propelling economic and cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Singapore before the establishment of Sino-Singapore diplomatic ties, and developing rapidly in the new era of reform and opening-up with abundant historical materials.

The development of BOC Singapore Branch benefits from the consolidation and development of Sino-Singapore diplomatic relations, said President of Bank of China Chen Siqing in the ceremonial speech.

Singapore is a major international financial center and offshore RMB market, which also functions as an important node along "the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road". With the impetus of " Belt and Road" initiative and internationalization of RMB, Bank of China will play an important role in strengthening cooperation between the two countries, said Chen.

China's ambassador to Singapore Duan Jielong, Minister Counselor at the China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Zheng Chao, General Manager of BOC Singapore Branch Guo Ningning, CEO of International Enterprise (IE) Singapore Teo Eng Cheong, Chairman of Singapore Business Federation Teo Siong Seng, Executive Vice President of Singapore Exchange Chew Sutat, Chairman of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chua Kee Seng, representatives of BOC' s clients, among others, attended the celebration.

Bank of China President Chen Siqing (1st L) attends an unveiling ceremony in Singapore, April 17, 2015. Bank of China Singapore Branch on Friday celebrated the bank's 80th anniversary of operation in the country with the opening of the 80th Anniversary Historical Gallery at Battery Road. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Guests visit exhibits of the 80th Anniversary Historical Gallery in Singapore, April 17, 2015. Bank of China Singapore Branch on Friday celebrated the bank's 80th anniversary of operation in the country with the opening of the 80th Anniversary Historical Gallery at Battery Road. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)