MANILA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Bank of China Manila Branch and the Philippines' Equicom Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore possible cooperation, collaboration or partnerships between the bank and the companies under the Equicom Group in the Philippines.

"Both parties agreed to execute the MoU to explore possible synergies and cooperation between the bank and the conglomerate," the Bank of China said in a statement.

It said the facilitation of collaboration and partnership can include referral of both companies' products and services to help inform, assist and provide solutions to their customers and clients.

The signing ceremony was held on Friday at the office of Bank of China Manila.

"Bank of China, with its on-going efforts to become the bridge between the Philippine and Chinese markets, can share its knowledge in advising Chinese companies who may be in need of information about the local health care system as well as those that are looking to do business in the Philippines with the help of the Equicom Group.," the statement said.

It added that the diverse companies belonging to the Equicom Group can also enhance Bank of China's products and services given its solid foundation and expertise in information technology, healthcare and financial services.

The Equicom Group is a diversified conglomerate engaged in the provision and supply of healthcare, credit information, credit rating services, finance, leasing and information technology services and products.