BOC unit to ramp up services in Middle East

Lender set to expand reach in more nations

Bank of China's Dubai branch is focusing on offering more direct trading and financial services to China, the United Arab Emirates and other countries in the Middle East and North Africa as part of the lender's strategic focus on markets involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

"BOC's Dubai branch has shifted from a passive follow-up strategy to an active service strategy. It is no longer just following Chinese-funded enterprises and has become more actively involved in the broader Middle East business," said Zhao Bo, head of executive office at the branch.