Finance

By the end of 2005, total deposits of banks in Chengdu reached       RMB 548.5 billion, 22.5% higher than 2005. It was rnore than       doubled that of 2002. By the end of 2006. outstanding loans reached  RMB363.1 billion, 17.0% higher than 2005

Figure 5.2 Outstanding Loans in Chengdu Banks (Unit RMB billion)

Personal loans in particular have been growing fast in recent years, which indicate a strong momentum of retail banking. At the end of 2006, outstanding personal loans amounted to RMB 60.1 billion, 33.4% higher than the end of 2005.

In terms of outstanding loans, Chengdu ranked third in Central-Western China, next to Chongqing, and Wuhan. In terms of personal loans, however, Chengdu beat both Chongqing and Wuhan.

Figure 5.3 Chengdu Personal

Loan Mix at the end of 2006

(Unit: RMB billion)

Deposits with banks in Chengdu were slightly lower than Chongqing, ranking second in Central and Western China. But in terms of growth  rate, Chengdu was 5.6 percentage points higher than Chongqing, which stood at 22.5% in 2006. It is very likely Chengdu will surpass Chongqing in 2007.

Figure 5.5 Outstanding Personal

Loans in Major Central and

Western China at end-2006

(Unit: RMB billion)