15 December 2016
Bank of China Agrees Landmark Chinese Bank Facility with Fonterra
Bank of China has signed a landmark agreement with Fonterra consistent with both organisations’ on-going commitment to
building New Zealand business interests in China.
Bank of China New Zealand and the Co-operative have established a RMB 1.5 billion (NZ$300 million) multi-currency bank
facility including a Chinese currency component.
It is believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand, and provides Fonterra with greater flexibility in how it
funds its Chinese operations.
Bank of China established a branch in New Zealand two years ago and in that time has demonstrated its support for both
Kiwi companies in China and Chinese firms and investors entering New Zealand.
Chief Executive, David Lei Wang, said annual trade between New Zealand and China had almost tripled to $23 billion since
the Free Trade Agreement was signed in 2008, and Chinese banking services played an important role in fostering
cross-border transactions and investment.
“We see great opportunities in developing more renminbi (RMB) products and tapping into China’s debt capital markets on
behalf of New Zealand financial institutions and government agencies,” Mr Wang said.
Fonterra’s Chief Financial Officer, Lukas Paravicini, said the new debt facility underlined the Co-operative’s continued
focus on building an integrated business in China.
“Bank of China has strong liquidity in renminbi and its local presence and knowledge offer us additional benefits in the
rapidly developing Chinese financial markets,” Mr Paravicini said.
“Having local funding arrangements is a natural extension of our activities in China.
“This accord complements the services we receive from our broad range of banks internationally,” he said.
The Bank of China facility did not mean Fonterra was taking on more debt. Rather it offered the Co-operative
alternatives and increased diversity in RMB funding sources, Mr Paravicini said.
“There is no change to our existing strategy of growing our business in China. This is simply a better way to organise
the funding of that strategy.”
Fonterra is New Zealand’s largest company and the world’s largest exporter of dairy products.
Bank of China is one of the top four banks in China and the top five banks globally.
ENDS