Bank of China, through its Hungarian branch, has issued a €500 million bond listed in London as part of a wider bond issuance programme by the bank to provide funding for China's 'One Belt, One Road' projects. The project aims to boost links and commerce between China and countries along the old land-based and maritime silk routes.

London Stock Exchange has a strong track record of supporting Chinese equity and debt issuance on its markets. 57 Chinese companies are quoted in London - 8 on the Main Market and 49 on AIM. In addition, there are 32 so-called dim sum bonds on London Stock Exchange's markets, with an aggregate value of RMB 24 billion.

Nikhil Rathi, Director of International Development, London Stock Exchange Group said: "London is the world's most international financial market and a natural partner for the Bank of China in this ground breaking issuance to underpin its 'One Belt, One Road' projects. This latest Euro-denominated bond, a first for a Chinese issuer, demonstrates London Stock Exchange's apposition as the leading gateway for Chinese firms looking to access European and global capital in the full range of currencies."

Chen Huaiyu, general manager of Bank of China Hungarian Branch said: "The success of the bond issued by Bank of China Hungarian Branch shows that international investors have great confidence in the CEE region and also in the 'One Belt, One Road' projects initiated by China in this region. Bank of China will accelerate the establishment of branches in CEE countries and will provide more financial support to this region in the future."