ABC has an extensive group of clients, in particular small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Yang said. "We will rely on SMEs to expand our card business."

    Beijing-based ABC has been trying to push its image as a commercial player.

    The China Securities Journal reported earlier this month that the lender has submitted its revised restructuring plan to the State Council, China's cabinet.

    It has been sticking to the plan to list the whole company, as breaking up the sprawling bank for restructuring could prove risky, said Han Zhongqi, the bank's vice-president.

    Han added the lender will kick off restructuring after spinning off its losses, and will follow up with moves to bring in foreign strategic investors.

    The government may inject 100 billion dollars into the bank, the Xinhua News Agency has said.

    The lender reported a 35 per cent surge in operating profit in the first nine months of 2006 as an expanding economy boosted income from interest and fee-based services.

    Operating profit rose 11 billion yuan (1.4 billion dollars) to 42.6 billion yuan (5.4 billion dollars).

    (Source: chinadaily.com.cn)