Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (BOCHK) announced Thursday the launch of Bank of China (BOC) Renminbi (RMB) card services, including BOC Credit Card and BOC Card (RMB), on April 30.

From then on, it is much more convenient for Hong Kong people who travel frequently between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland for business, work, or pleasure.

He Guangbei, chief executive of BOCHK, said at a press conference Thursday that the new cards can be used through the extensive network of "UnionPay" in the Chinese mainland.

He said, the RMB card services due to be introduced on April 30,coupled with the launch of personal RMB services in deposit taking,exchange and remittance service on January 25, confirm the pioneering position of BOCHK in the provision of comprehensive RMB services to Hong Kong people within the scope approved by the central government.

He claimed that BOCHK will continue to strengthen cooperation with "China UnionPay" in order to provide a wide range and quality financial services to customers in both places.

BOC RMB credit card is the first RMB credit card issued independently in Hong Kong. With the "UnionPay" insignia displaying on the card faces, the RMB credit cards are widely accepted by UnionPay at about 400,000 merchant outlets in the Chinese mainland.

These include not only hotels, department stores, chain stores and premier restaurants, but also a great number of small and medium sized shops such as super markets, barber-shops and local eateries.