The Franco-Chinese Bank , in French Banque Franco-Chinoise (BFC) , full name Banque Franco-Chinoise pour le Commerce et l’Industrie ( Chinese : 中法工商银行 ), was a French bank with operations in China and French Indochina , and later in the Indian Ocean and the French West Indies . In 1925 it succeeded the Société française de gérance de la Banque industrielle de Chine , an asset management company that had been formed in October 1922 following the closure of the Banque Industrielle de Chine .
36-660: In 1964, after the loss of much of its original activity in Asia, its name was changed to Banque Française pour le Commerce , and in 1968, to Banque Française Commerciale , thus preserving the acronym BFC. The BFC brand survives in Banque Française Commerciale Océan Indien , since 2003 a joint venture between Mauritius Commercial Bank and Société Générale with operations in Réunion and Mayotte . The Société française de gérance de la Banque industrielle de Chine
72-573: A hill 30 meters (98 ft) long and 20 meters (66 ft) wide, the temple is in Snung commune, Banan District, 22 kilometers (14 mi) from the provincial town. Phnom Sampov Phnom Sampov is a natural resort located along National Road No 57 (former National Road No 10) at Sam Puoy commune 12 kilometers (7 mi) from Battambang. On the top of Sam Puoy mountain, there is a temple and three natural wells, namely Pkar Slar, Lo Khuon, and Ak Sopheak. Sek Sak Resort A natural resort popular since before
108-859: A representative office in Phnom Penh. By then, its remaining branch locations were in Saigon , Chợ Lớn and Khánh Hưng in South Vietnam , and Tananarive and Tamatave in Madagascar. In 1965, the government of South Vietnam wished to create a domestic bank sector. The BFC participated in the creation of the Banque pour le Commerce, l'Industrie et l'Agriculture (Vietnamese: Nong Cong Thuong Ngan Hang ) with South Vietnamese management seconded from BFC. A change in French law in 1967 liberalized branching, enabling BFC to increase
144-588: Is a French bank that since 2003 has been jointly owned by Mauritius Commercial Bank and Société Générale . It has its headquarters in Saint Denis , Réunion . It has more than 360 employees and more than 80 000 clients in its operations in Réunion (13 branches), Mayotte (three branches), and Paris (one branch), which primarily engages in private banking. In 1984, the Banque Française Commerciale (BFC;
180-458: Is known for its giant lotus flowers, whose fiber is spun and weaved to make fabric. These activities employ more than twenty underprivileged women around the lake. Baset Temple Built during the reign of King Suryavarman I (1002–1050), it is located in Baset village, Ta Pun commune, about 15 kilometers (9 mi) east of Battambang City. Baset temple adapts the architecture of the 11th century and
216-892: The Banque Antillaise with operations in the French West Indies , and opened a branch in French Guiana . It also opened branches in 1981 in the Seychelles , and in 1982 in Dominica . By early 1975, the Banque de l'Indochine held 79 percent of the BFC's equity. In 1985, Banque Indosuez , the successor entity of the Banque de l'Indochine since 1975, decided to split BFC into three entities with respective operations in France (BFC-France), Reunion, Mayotte and
252-671: The Khmer Rouge regime, the bank's representative, an ethnic Chinese, and his family were all assassinated. BFC decided to pivot towards the Indian Ocean . In 1976 it established a branch in Réunion , and also established a branch in Mayotte at the request of the French Government, as the island's pre-existing banking services disappeared after its split from the Comoros . In 1979, BFC acquired
288-639: The Sangkae River ( Stung Sangkae ). In 1795, Siam (modern-day Thailand ) annexed much of northwestern Cambodia, including the current provinces of Banteay Meanchey , Battambang , Oddar Meanchey , Pailin , and Siem Reap , into the province of Inner Cambodia. The Siamese ruled Battambang as a provincial capital through the Thai-speaking Khmer Abhaiwongse family , a branch of the Khmer royal family, which governed for six generations until 1907, when
324-755: The civil war , Sek Sak stretches along the riverbank with plants, trees, and bamboo stretching 500 meters (1,640 ft). It is located in Treng commune, Rotanak Mondul district, 50 kilometers (31 mi) from Battambang along National Road No 57. Battambang Circus (Phare Ponleu Selpak) Shows at Battambang Circus are put on by students of the arts school Phare Ponleu Selpak and include a range of disciplines, such as acrobatics, juggling, aerial work, clowning, tightrope walking, and aqua-balance. The school helps disadvantaged children and young people escape from situations related to poverty, such as begging or trafficking, and to get an education, both in normal public schools and in
360-555: The third largest city in Cambodia. Founded in the 11th century by the Khmer Empire , Battambang is the leading rice-producing province of the country. For nearly 100 years, it was a major commercial hub and the capital of the Siamese province of Inner Cambodia (1795–1907), though it was always populated by Khmer people, with some ethnic Vietnamese, Lao, Thai, and Chinese. Battambang remains
396-726: The French defeat in 1954 at Diên Biên Phu , the bank closed its offices in North Vietnam but still expanded in South Vietnam and Cambodia, with branches in Battambang and Kampong Cham . In 1960, the Banque de l'Indochine purchased the shares in the Franco-Chinese Bank formerly held by the BPPB and Lazard. In 1963, Cambodia nationalized its banking sector, though the BFC was allowed to retain
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#1732863209058432-544: The Sangker River. In the valley, there is Ku Teuk and two main natural wells, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey. Norry (bamboo train) The Norry , or bamboo train, runs 4 kilometers (2 mi) from Prasat Banan to Chhoeuteal commune. Previously located on actual railway tracks outside the city, the bamboo train was relocated in 2017 to make way for the resumption of railway traffic. Prasat Snung Characterized by three separate stupas made of brick, located on
468-531: The Seychelles ( Banque Française Commerciale Océan Indien / BFCOI); and the French West Indies and Guiana ( Banque Française Commerciale Antilles-Guyane / BFCAG). BFC-France was acquired in 1989 by Istituto Bancario San Paolo di Torino . In 1992, Mauritius Commercial Bank acquired BFCOI, of which Société Générale purchased 50 percent in 2003. BFCAG was acquired by Crédit Agricole in 1996 together with
504-495: The UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of gastronomy as well as crafts and folk art, design, film, literature, media arts, and music . Other cities, such as Kratie , Siem Reap , and Kampot , may follow for the next cycle in 2025 onwards. Battambang was established as an important trading city with around 2,500 residents in the 18th century. The population was centered along a single road parallel to
540-462: The arts. Bahá'í House of Worship Around 7 kilometers (4 mi) south of Battambang, in Odambang commune, stands the city's Bahá'í House of Worship . Inaugurated in 2017. The round, nine-sided edifice features a central dome and spire and winged parapets that are reminiscent of Phnom Penh's Chaktomuk Conference Hall . Battambang is accessible via road and rail. There are buses that run between
576-632: The bank only retained Asian branch offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin in Chine, and Hanoi, Saigon and Phnom Penh in Indochina. In 1951, having lost its Chinese business to the country's Communist Revolution (the branches formally closed in 1955) and realizing that its geographical concentration in Indochina entailed high risk, the bank sought to diversify by establishing branches in French Madagascar . After
612-452: The city and Bangkok , Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. The railway line between Phnom Penh and Poipet has been rehabilitated, allowing access via Battambang Royal railway station . Battambang Airport was previously reserved for military use but opened with limited services for small airplanes and helicopters in 2018. There is also (except during the lowest water levels of the dry season) a daily boat connection between Battambang and Siem Reap via
648-577: The entire share capital of all three entities. Banque Indosuez sold a majority position (66.66%) in BFCOI to Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) in 1996; Banque Indosuez retained 22.22%. The next year, BFCOI opened a branch in Paris. In 1997, BFCOI opened a representative office in Mozambique . In 2000, MCB acquired the minority stake Crédit Agricole Indosuez held in BFCOI, increasing its stake to 88.88%. This followed
684-587: The former Franco-Chinese Bank ) restructured itself as a holding company. It established three legally and operationally distinct companies: Banque Française Commerciale en France Métropolitaine (BFC), with branches in France; BFCOI, with branches in Reunion, Mayotte and the Seychelles; and Banque Française Commerciale Antilles-Guyane (BFCAG), with branches in French Guiana and the Antilles. Banque Indosuez owned
720-421: The hub of Cambodia's northwest, connecting the region with Phnom Penh and Thailand . The city is situated on the Sangkae River , a small body of water that winds its way through Battambang Province . As with much of Cambodia, French Colonial architecture is a notable aspect of the city, with some of the best-preserved examples in the country. On 31 October 2023, Battambang was one of 55 cities declared to join
756-436: The landscape of the previously remote city. A subsequent third urban development plan for Battambang involved the north, east, and south of the city. This vast undertaking, which required long-term planning to integrate all of the previous work, resulted in a modern provincial capital that was by far the most developed region of Cambodia outside of Phnom Penh. Much later, more infrastructure and public facilities were built under
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#1732863209058792-596: The late 1930s. It closed its branch in Haiphong from October 1936. In late 1936 it was persuaded by Jean Monnet to partner with the China Development Finance Corporation for infrastructure development in China, but the plan was compromised by the second Sino-Japanese War . Its capital was restructured in 1938 with participation by the BPPB, the Banque de l'Indochine , and Lazard frères & Cie . By 1939,
828-571: The latter's dominance in the new entity. The registered office of the Société de gérance was the same as that of the BIC, 74 rue Saint-Lazare in Paris . By 1924 it had revived the BIC's activities in most of its past branches in France ( Lyon and Marseille ), China Beijing , Guangzhou , Hankou , Hong Kong , Shanghai and Tianjin ), and French Indochina ( Haiphong , Hanoi and Saigon ). On 26 November 1925,
864-497: The linking of both banks by the construction of two bridges in 1917. Military and prison facilities were also erected. Nineteen years later, a second urban development plan was implemented, with a newly constructed railway linking Battambang to Phnom Penh . The urban structures were extended to the west of the town, creating urban hubs oriented around the railway station. The large residential villas and public buildings built during this period of French development significantly changed
900-460: The mid-11th century and the end of the 12th century; the temple was first built by King Dharanindravarman II (1050–1066) and was completed in its final form by King Jayavarman VII (1181–1220). It is located on the top of a mountain approximately 400-meter-high (1,310 ft), located at Koh Tey 2 commune, Banan District. It can be reached by traveling 15 kilometers (9 mi) from the provincial town by provincial road No 155, which runs parallel to
936-571: The modernization program of the Cambodian government led by prince Norodom Sihanouk . Several provincial departments, a courthouse, and other public buildings were added on both sides of the river. Textile and garment factories were built by French and Chinese investors, the Battambang Airport was constructed, and the railway line was extended to the Thai border at Poipet . To serve the cultural needs of
972-528: The number of its branches in mainland France. In Madagascar, the BFC's operations were affected by political turmoil that commenced in 1972. In 1975, the Malagasy Republic nationalized its operations and transferred them to the Banque Financière et Commerciale Malagache . That same year, the fall of Saigon put an end to the BFC's activity in South Vietnam. In Cambodia, during the terror launched by
1008-504: The population, numerous schools and a university were built as well as a sports centre, museum, and an exhibition hall. Kamping Puoy Lake Located between two mountains, named Phnom Kul or Phnom Ta Nget and Phnom Kamping Puoy, at Ta Nget village, Ta Kriem commune is 35 kilometers (22 mi) from the provincial town. Kamping Puoy lake is 1,900 meters (6,230 ft) wide, 19 kilometers (12 mi) long, and can hold 110,000,000 cubic metres (3.8846 × 10 cu ft) of water. It
1044-519: The province was ceded to the French to be reunited with Cambodia as part of the French Indochina colony. Following colonization by the French, an urban layout was developed, which resulted in an enlarged French colonial town. This first attempt at modernization led to well-defined streets laid in a grid pattern, building of urban structures and three main streets parallel to the Sangkae River, and
1080-471: The rest of Banque Indosuez, and was fully absorbed into Credit Agricole's subsidiary LCL S.A. in 2015. The following individuals were chairmen of the board of BFC: Goerges Carrère was the bank's general manager until joining the board of directors in March 1936. He had no successor on that position. Banque Fran%C3%A7aise Commerciale Oc%C3%A9an Indien Banque Française Commerciale Océan Indien (BFCOI)
1116-474: The scope of the agreement. Instead, MCB incorporated a new fully owned subsidiary, The Mauritius Commercial Bank (Seychelles), trading under the name of MCB Seychelles, to take over the assets and liabilities of the Seychelles-based banking network of BFCOI. Battambang Battambang ( Khmer : បាត់ដំបង , UNGEGN : Bătdâmbâng [ɓatɗɑmɓɑːŋ] ) is the capital of Battambang Province and
Franco-Chinese Bank - Misplaced Pages Continue
1152-800: The shareholders of the Société de gérance approved its renaming as the Franco-Chinese Bank. The bank developed its network in Indochina, opening new branch offices in Vinh (June 1927), Tourane (September 1927), and Huế (September 1927). A new art deco building for its branch in Hanoi was inaugurated on 27 October 1930; as of 2022 it still existed and was used by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade . By 1931 another branch office existed in Quy Nhon , and by 1932 in Phnom Penh . The bank faced difficulties in
1188-605: The takeover of Banque Indosuez by the Crédit Agricole Group, which itself had operations in both Reunion and Mayotte in direct competition with BFCOI. BFCOI became the representative of Banque française mutualiste [ fr ] in the Indian Ocean region. In early 2003, the Bank finalized an agreement with Société Générale , establishing joint (50:50) ownership of BFCOI. However, BFCOI's Seychelles operations fell outside
1224-462: Was built between 1036 and 1042. Next to the temple, there is a pond 20 meters (66 ft) long, 12 meters (39 ft) wide, and 10 meters (33 ft) deep. Wat Ek Phnom This temple adapts architecture of the 11th century and was built in 1027, during the reign of King Suryavarman I (1002–1050). It is located at Peam Aek commune, 14 kilometers (9 mi) from the provincial town. Prasat Banan (Phnom Banan) This temple adapts architecture of
1260-527: Was created in October 1922 to manage the Banque Industrielle de Chine (BIC), which had been under bankruptcy protection since July 1921. Its chairman was Gaston Griolet [ fr ] , the chairman of the Banque de Paris et des Pays-Bas (BPPB) which had a leading role in the BIC's restructuring; Georges Carrère was appointed general manager ( French : directeur général ). A management agreement
1296-512: Was immediately signed between the BIC and the Société de gérance , allowing the latter to take over the administration of the former. In addition to the BPPB, shareholders of the Société de gérance included the Banque Française pour le Commerce et l'Industrie and the Banque de la Seine . Its first annual general meeting in December 1923 was held in the premises of the BPPB, emphasizing
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