$11b to help small firms do business in Europe

Chinese insurer Anbang Insurance Group on Oct 31 unveiled a three-year loan program that will offer a total of 10 billion euros ($11 billion; 9 billion) to help Chinese startups and smaller companies do business in Europe.

The plan was announced by Anbang chairman Wu Xiaohui at the China-Belgium Economic Forum in Beijing. The loan will be extended through Anbang's banking subsidiary Bank Nagelmackers in Belgium.

The program is part of Anbang's response to a Chinese government call for greater support for small businesses, which have faced growing difficulties in gaining access to capital amid the economic slowdown.

The program will also allow Anbang to gain a higher yield from its investments as insurers cope with more pressure on their returns amid the low interest rate environment in Europe.

Under the program, each individual entrepreneur will get a maximum 1 million euro loan. So far 10 Chinese business owners have been approved for the financing, Wu says.

The loan project also highlights Anbang's commitment in the European market after its acquisition of Belgian insurer Fidea NV and Delta Lloyd Bank Belgium, later rebranded as Bank Nagelmackers, in 2014.

Best known for its high-profile purchase of New York's famed Waldorf Astoria hotel, Anbang has been the biggest Chinese investor in Belgium. Anbang says its presence in the country also reflects the potential for bilateral trade and investment.

"Low interest rates in Europe and China's labor cost advantage will create huge market potential that will be a win-win for both Chinese and Belgian companies," Wu told the forum.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, who has just wrapped up a two-day visit to China, attended the economic forum and vowed to attract more Chinese investment.

Michel says that Belgium will serve as a springboard for pan-European development for Chinese investors.

The country's international talent pool and competitive real estate market will also make it an attractive investment destination, he adds.

"We have seen many good examples of Chinese investment in Belgium. Anbang is an investment success story for the Chinese in Belgium. We can do more and do better," Michel says.

lixiang@chinadaily.com.cn