As China and Europe celebrate dual milestones – the 20th anniversary of Beijing’s comprehensive strategic partnership with Spain and 50 years of China-EU diplomatic relations – financial institutions like ICBC Europe are emerging as vital bridges for cross-border collaboration. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), operating in 16 European countries since entering Spain’s market in 2011, continues to expand its role in facilitating economic connectivity.
Banking on Shared Growth
During last week’s China-Europe Financial Investment Forum in Madrid, ICBC Europe General Manager Li Feng highlighted the bank’s “client-first approach” in supporting over 200 Chinese enterprises’ European expansions and financing key infrastructure projects. “Our cross-border yuan settlement services grew 27% year-on-year,” Li told CGTN, underscoring the institution’s role in de-risking currency exchanges.
Green Finance Takes Center Stage
With sustainable development becoming a priority, ICBC Europe has financed 12 renewable energy projects across the continent since 2022. “We’re not just moving capital,” Li emphasized. “We’re transferring clean energy expertise through partnerships like the Spain-Portugal solar corridor initiative.”
As geopolitical shifts reshape global trade routes, ICBC’s European network – spanning Frankfurt to Paris and Lisbon – positions it as a key player in advancing practical cooperation between the world’s second- and third-largest economies.
