Ecobank is to host an operations desk for Bank of China in its branches across the country. The ‘China desk’ is designed as an operational unit meant to offer on-hand business support and trade facilitation to Chinese businesses located in African countries where Ecobank has a presence. The deal will offer Chinese customers of Ecobank access to resources and strengths of both banks while removing language and cultural barriers. In an interview with Joy Business after the launch, Group Executive Director in Charge of Corporate Banking, Albert Essien said customers stand to benefit greatly from the partnership. He said China had become the largest investor on the African continent and it was important to open the desks to “facilitate the financial intermediation between China and Sub-Saharan Africa.” Trade Minister, Hannah Tetteh hailed the initiative and called for further collaboration. She believes the desk will help address some of the challenges confronting investors from China and African companies which wish to do business with companies in China. Source: Joy Business/Ghana