Foreign investor interest to spur local bond market

Portfolio managers drool over 'great investment opportunities' in the rapidly growing segment

BEIJING - The tide may be slowly turning for Chinese bonds.

Citigroup Inc said last week it will include onshore Chinese debt in some of its gauges, while the central bank pledged to create a "more convenient and friendly environment" for foreign investors. This follows a recent measure to allow currency hedging for bonds, a move seen as one of many efforts needed to lower barriers.