HONG KONG (Reuters) - BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) Ltd.(2388.HK: Quote, Profile , Research) said operating profit before loan "impairmentallowances" increased in the first quarter to HK$4.10 billion(US$525.6 million).

The bank said in a statement the year-on-year increase wasdriven by growth in net interest income and net fees despitelower net trading income and higher operating expenses, while arise in quarter-on-quarter was mainly due to higher operatingexpenses in the previous quarter.

BOC Hong Kong, 65.87 percent owned by the Bank of ChinaLtd. (3988.HK: Quote, Profile , Research), said its net operating income before loanimpairment allowances was at HK$5.75 billion and operatingexpenses were HK$1.64 billion during the three months ended inMarch.

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