HOUSTON — The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (USA) on Tuesday opened a business center in this US city, the first one of a Chinese bank in the southern United States.

The new branch will serve Houston, as well as other places across the southern United States, ICBC Senior Executive Vice President Hao Hu said at the opening ceremony.

"ICBC plans to further localize our service and increase cooperation with local financial institutions," said Hu, adding the bank aims to bring comprehensive, high-quality and professional financial services to both corporate and individual clients.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said at the same event the ICBC serves to connect the Texas market with China and increase cooperation between Houston and Chinese financial institutions.

Chinese Consul General Li Qiangmin called for the Chinese and US business communities to continue to play an active and positive role in bilateral relations.

"I hope China will work with the US side to jointly promote greater progress in China-US economic and trade relations and open up greater prospects for cooperation between the two countries," said Li.

ICBC has established institutions in 44 countries and regions. In the United States, it has opened offices in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle.