The National Australia Bank today started branch operations in the country by inaugurating its maiden outlet in the financial capital.

The branch will support existing institutional, corporate and business banking customers and also provide a link for clients looking to expand or invest in its home country with a focus on energy, education and agribusiness sectors, the bank said in a statement here.

“India''s bilateral trade with Australia and New Zealand is rising continually and we believe that the Mumbai branch will help facilitate greater economic, trade and investment flows between the three countries,” its chief executive for Asia Rob Wright said.

The National Australia Bank has branches in Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan and the Mumbai branch opening was preceded by the inauguration of a branch in Shanghai in October last year.
The bank has appointed Rajeev Pant to manage India operations.