OREANDA-NEWS. August 03, 2011. Recent years, remarkable development of cross-strait economic and trade exchanges as well as increasing agricultural cooperation and exchange have achieved between Fujian and Taiwan. Fujian Branch of Agricultural Bank of China Limited (ABC), by focusing on Taiwan farmers' pioneer parks (the "parks") in the province, has actively engaged in the agricultural cooperation and exchange between the two regions, and quickened the transformation of development mode. This has not only benefited farmers but also boosted the development of agriculture, marking the transmutation of service mode for 'Sannong' (agriculture, rural areas and farmers), reported the press-centre of ABC.

Huinong Card Connects Both Sides of the Taiwan Strait
The parks, first found in April 2006, have become an advantageous area of modern agriculture in Fujian, with distinct features and outstanding exemplary role in agricultural cooperation between Fujian and Taiwan. According to statistics, Fujian Province so far has attracted more than 1,600 Taiwan-funded agricultural projects, utilizing over USD1.9 billion of capital from Taiwan. ABC Fujian Branch meets the new requirements for further development of businesses related to 'Sannong' in conformity with the new trend of socioeconomic development in Fujian. It regards the services for agricultural cooperation between Taiwan and Fujian, especially the support to the parks, as the priorities in serving 'Sannong', and hence expands and intensifies financial services for the parks. Due to the services particularity provided for Taiwan agricultural companies and Taiwan-funded enterprises, the Branch carries out four innovation to facilitate the rapid development of related businesses. Intentioned credit line agreements worth RMB3.6 billion have been signed with the parks, and loans granted to the parks and related industries have reached RMB440 million.

Exploration and Promotion of "Intensive Operation"
ABC Fujian Branch grasps the opportunities for sustainable development brought by the parks. From support for single enterprises in the parks, to priority given to two parks in Zhangping and Zhangpu, and eventually to centralized support for four parks, the Branch has explored a new route of intensive development for agriculture-related businesses by cooperating with the parks. 

Professional Services based on Institutional Reform
As a pilot branch for deepening the reform of the County Area Banking Department, ABC Fujian Branch has increasingly robust departmental management improving operational efficiency, thus providing a system guarantee for farmers' benefits. The cooperative framework agreements successively signed with the four parks reflect the operational advantages of the relative county area banking departments.

By means of the coordination between the county area banking departments and professional back-office centres, and inclined allocation of credit size, financial resources and human resources, the operational capabilities of sub-branches in the parks have been constantly upgraded, thus ensuring the smooth implementation of related work.

Regarding credit policies, tailor-made credit access standards have been worked out for customers in the parks, and credit rating methods have also been adjusted. In terms of products, many exclusive products have been developed, including mortgage loans for rural land operation rights, tea and fruit tree mortgage loans, and mortgage loans for use rights of sea areas. As for credit procedures, a three-tier linkage mechanism covering province, city and county has been set up. Besides, a preferential approval channel has been formed for credit business in the parks. In respect of credit resources, priority is given to the size allocation for branches in the parks, to meet the financing needs of park customers.

It could be said, all such changes embody that financial services become more and more professional and specialized under the management framework of the County Area Banking Department. Mr. Chen Xianmin, General Manager of ABC Fujian Branch, said, "as a pilot branch for reform of the County Area Banking Department, Fujian Branch should exert the institutional effect and adhere to innovative development concepts to provide high-quality and efficient financial services for Taiwan enterprises and farmers, and to accelerate the further development of across-strait agricultural cooperation."