XIAMEN, CHINA: An international media delegation comprising journalists and media representatives from different countries, organized by People’s Daily for the 2026 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road Initiative, visited Xiamen International Bank in Fujian Province, where the delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the bank’s development, international financial services, cross-border banking innovations and contributions to Belt and Road cooperation.

During the visit, the delegation was introduced to the history and achievements of Xiamen International Bank, established in 1985 in Xiamen, Fujian Province. The bank holds a significant place in China’s financial development as the first Sino-foreign joint venture bank established in the People’s Republic of China. In 2013, it transformed into a Chinese-funded commercial bank, further strengthening its role in supporting regional and international financial cooperation.

The briefing highlighted the bank’s distinctive international structure and strategic vision, built around the Chinese mainland as its core, with Hong Kong and Macao serving as two important pillars. As the first city commercial bank in China to establish full-service subsidiary commercial banks in both Hong Kong and Macao, Xiamen International Bank has developed an extensive cross-border financial service network.

The delegation was informed that the bank and its subsidiaries operate more than 150 banking outlets across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Hangzhou, Xiamen and other cities in Fujian Province, as well as in the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions. With total assets exceeding RMB 1 trillion, the bank has established a strong financial presence and distinctive international characteristics.

The briefing also highlighted the achievements of its overseas subsidiaries, including Luso International Banking Limited, which operates 14 branches in Macao and ranks among the leading banks in the region across several key indicators. Its international network reflects the bank’s commitment to connecting financial markets and facilitating cross-border business activities.

A major focus of the presentation was the bank’s innovative cross-border service system, particularly its Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) participation and E-Station Cross Border Platform.

The delegation learned that in December 2025, Xiamen International Bank was approved as a CIPS Direct Participant, becoming the first local legal-entity bank in Fujian Province to obtain this qualification. In June 2026, it officially launched renminbi clearing services as a CIPS Direct Participant bank, enabling it to provide faster and more efficient cross-border RMB clearing services to corporate clients.

In October 2026, the bank successfully obtained authorization to operate as a CIPS Fund Custodian Bank, further expanding its capacity to serve participating banking partners. Between June and September 2026, it processed 1,927 transactions, with a total transaction volume approaching RMB 30 billion through the CIPS channel.

The E-Station Cross Border Platform was another important highlight of the briefing. The platform integrates multiple financial functions, including international settlement and remittance, international letters of credit, foreign exchange and derivatives, and capital account transactions. It provides comprehensive electronic channels for remittance, financing, cross-border cash management and foreign exchange services.

According to the presentation, by the third quarter of 2026, the platform’s cumulative transaction volume had reached RMB 547.65 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 96.03 percent. This achievement demonstrates the bank’s growing contribution to digital financial services and international business connectivity.

The delegation was also briefed on Xiamen International Bank’s role in financing Belt and Road Initiative projects across different countries. Its international financing portfolio includes significant projects in Pakistan, Indonesia and Zambia.

Among the highlighted examples was the Thar Coal-Fired Power Project in Pakistan, for which the bank successfully participated in a USD 44 million syndicated loan. The financing supports the development of an important China-Pakistan cooperation project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), contributing to the construction of shared infrastructure and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

The bank’s presentation also highlighted its financing participation in Indonesia’s stainless steel smelting project through an RMB 350 million syndicated loan, alongside a further RMB 200 million loan supporting the development of the project. In Zambia, the bank successfully provided a USD 70 million offshore loan for the Kantumba Copper Mine Project, helping facilitate international financing and cross-border cooperation.

These examples demonstrated how Chinese financial institutions are supporting international infrastructure, industrial development and economic connectivity through innovative financing arrangements and integrated banking services.

The visit offered the international media representatives valuable insights into the evolving role of Chinese banking institutions in supporting the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting financial innovation and strengthening economic links between China and partner countries.

For Pakistan, the bank’s participation in financing the Thar Coal-Fired Power Project highlighted the important contribution of Chinese financial institutions to CPEC cooperation and the development of mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

The briefing reflected Xiamen International Bank’s vision of combining financial innovation, international connectivity and cross-border services to support businesses and projects across different regions.

The visit provided journalists with an opportunity to understand how China’s banking sector is advancing international financial cooperation and creating new channels for trade, investment and development. Through its growing global network, digital financial platforms and participation in Belt and Road projects, Xiamen International Bank continues to strengthen financial connections between China and the wider world.