HBL opened its branch in the Gwadar Free Zone on the 29th of January 2018, making it the only bank to have a branch in Gwadar as well as China.
The branch was inaugurated by the Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Mr. Yao Jing, along with Mr. Zhang Baozhong, Chairman China Overseas Port Holding Company Ltd. and Mr. Rayomond Kotwal, Acting President and CEO, HBL. Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Kotwal stated, “Today HBL stands proud as it becomes the first bank with branches in Gwadar as well as China. We are honored to be playing a leading role in supporting the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, opening new avenues of business, trade and investment between the two countries.”
Last year, HBL had become the first Pakistani bank to open a branch in China. That branch was opened in Urumqi – a city with enormous potential. HBL was also the first Pakistani bank to offer CNY accounts to its customers in Pakistan.
HBL offers a comprehensive product range covering corporate and individual customers, including financing, trade based facilities, guarantees, remittances, loans, debit and credit cards and much more. HBL’s target market is not just limited to customers in Pakistan and China but it aims to market CPEC opportunities across borders using its international reach and customer base.
As a bank that is an integral part of Pakistan’s fabric, HBL aspires to contribute to economic development in Pakistan, and looks forward to enriching the lives of its customers with its commitment to banking excellence.
Published in Daily Times, February 1st 2018.