28 Nov 2009

Kick-off Ceremony of “BOCHK fully supports – Geopark Charity Green Walk”

Eight geo-sites in Northeast and Sai Kung were designated as Hong Kong National Geopark by the Ministry of Land and Resources of China in September 2009. To enable local residents as well as visitors to appreciate these geo-wonders, BOCHK Charitable Foundation has specially initiated “Hong Kong Geopark Charity Green Walk”. In the coming months, a number of eco-tours will be organized for the general public to learn more about Hong Kong’s geological and geomorphologic features. This meaningful programme is fully supported by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Geological Society of Hong Kong, Council, Tai Po District Council, North District Council, Polar Museum Foundation and HK Discovery.

The kick-off ceremony of this programme was held today at Wai Man Road Rest Garden in Sai Kung Town. The officiating guests included Mr. Li Jiuzhong, Deputy Chief Risk Officer of Bank of China (Hong Kong); Dr. S.F. Leung, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; Dr. Chen Qin Fang Margie, President of Geological Society of Hong Kong; Mr. Wan Yuet Kau, Vice-Chairman of Sai Kung District Council; Dr. Yau Wing Kwong, Chairman of Working Group on Environmental Protection of Tai Po District Council and Tai Po Environmental Association; Mr. Terry Tam, Chairman of Publicity Working Group of North District Council; Dr. Rebecca Lee, Founder of Polar Museum Foundation; and Mr. Jan Chan, Founder of HK Discovery (Co-organizer of this programme). Following the ceremony, about 170 guests, eco-guides, BOCHK staff/customers and members of the media proceeded to a boat tour to Sharp Island, where they all enjoyed an eco short walk. Afterwards, they cruised around , Jin Island, and West Dam of High Island Reservoir to observe various kinds of special geological features and landforms up-close.

“Hong Kong Geopark Charity Green Walk” will be held every Saturdays from 16 January to 10 April 2010 (except 13 February 2010). Professional guides and eco-guides from BOCHK

Page 1 of 2 will lead the participants to explore the natural beauty of the impressive Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region. In support of “Green” education, BOCHK Charitable Foundation will sponsor all relevant costs. Each participant is required to pay an enrolment fee of HK$20, which will be donated to Polar Museum Foundation for educational and conservation causes.

Starting from 9:00pm on 1 December 2009 (Hong Kong time), interested parties may browse BOCHK’s homepage (www.bochk.com) for more details and enrolment. Due to limited capacity, all eco-tours will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.

- End -

About Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited

Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (“BOCHK”), established on 1 October 2001, is a leading listed commercial banking group in Hong Kong. With over 270 branches, 470 ATMs and other distribution channels in Hong Kong, BOCHK and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive range of financial products and services to retail and corporate customers. BOCHK is one of the three note issuing banks in Hong Kong. In addition, BOCHK Group (comprising BOCHK, Nanyang Commercial Bank and Chiyu Banking Corporation) and its subsidiaries have 23 branches and sub-branches in the Mainland of China to provide cross-border banking services to customers in Hong Kong and the Mainland. BOCHK is appointed by the People’s Bank of China as the Clearing Bank for Renminbi business in Hong Kong.

BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) Limited, BOCHK’s holding company, began trading on the main board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong on 25 July, 2002, with stock code “2388”, ADR OTC Symbol “BHKLY”.

Page 2 of 2