The People's Bank of China (PBOC), the country's central bank, announced Sunday that China will allow overseas financial institutions in Shanghai and Shenzhen to engage in Chinese Renminbi business as of December 11, the day when China will formally become a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Overseas financial institutions in Tianjin and Dalian will be allowed to apply to engage in Renminbi business starting the same day, according to PBOC sources.

China will allow overseas financial institutions to provide foreign exchange services to all units and individuals within Chinese territory, on condition that the institutions accordingly increase their operating capital or minimum capital requirements, and change their operation licenses.

Starting December 11, overseas non-banking financial institutions may apply to establish companies in China specializing in car credit purchase services in accordance with regulations soon to be publicized by the PBOC.

Overseas investors will also be allowed to apply to establish companies providing financial leasing services in China, PBOC sources said.

(People's Daily December 10, 2001)