Granting of banking licence to Bank of Dongguan Co., Ltd.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced today (March 17) that the Monetary Authority has granted a banking licence to Bank of Dongguan Co., Ltd. (BOD) under the Banking Ordinance. BOD is incorporated in the People's Republic of China.  The granting of this banking licence takes effect today.
      
     After the granting of a banking licence to BOD, the number of licensed banks in Hong Kong is 162.