(Agencies/CRIEnglish)
Updated: 2008-02-28 15:20

The People's Bank of China, or central bank, is considering making Hong Kong an offshore center for the yuan as part of its move to internationalize the Chinese currency, the Shanghai Securities News reported.

The report also said that the central bank is looking at increasing the amount of funds under the Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor program allowed to flow into the territory as well as the spectrum of products that they are permitted to invest in.

It said that the National Social Security Fund has invested in Hong Kong-listed shares of companies such as the Bank of Communications, the Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, saying that its holdings as of March last year stood at HK$35.3 billion.

The social security fund, which was established in 2000 to provide cover for an aging population, will also consider setting up a branch office in Hong Kong, the report said.