Laws of the People's Republic of China

Reply of the General Office of the People's Bank of China for Shenzhen Branch of KBC Bank N.V. to Become a Member of the Nationwide Inter-bank Borrowing Market

Yin Ban Han [2005] No. 12 January 12, 2005

The Shenzhen Central Sub-branch of the People's Bank of China,

We have received your Request for Instruction for the Shenzhen Branch of KBC Bank N.V. to Join in the Nationwide Inter-bank Borrowing Market (Shen Ren Yin Fa [2004] No. 251) and the related application materials. We hereby render our reply as follows:

1.

It is approved that the Shenzhen Branch of KBC Bank N.V. may become a member of the Nationwide Inter-bank Borrowing Market and engage in inter-bank borrowing business. Please inform the Shenzhen Branch of KBC Bank N.V. to contact the National Inter-bank Funding Center and do well related technical preparations.

2.

The maximum limit of inter-bank capital borrowed by the Shenzhen Branch of KBC Bank N.V. and that of capital lent thereby are separately ratified to be RMB 150 million Yuan. The total balance of the inter-bank borrowing made by the aforesaid branch at any time or in any way may not exceed the above-mentioned limit.

3.

The longest time limit of the capital borrowed by the Shenzhen Branch of KBC Bank N.V. shall be 4 months, and the time limit of capital lent may not exceed the longest term of the capital borrowed by the counterpart as provided for by the People's Bank of China. The inter-bank borrowing may not be renewed after expiry.