The Bank of China's office in New York City is the first U.S. clearing center for the renminbi,or RMB.

    Chinese officials made the announcement last week.Premier Li Keqiang spoke at a dinner with the Economic Club of New York.

    He invited other banks to work with buyers and sellers of the RMB.

    "We also welcome banks in New York that meet the requirements to bocome a aclearing bank for renminbi,"Li said.

    The South China Morning Post reported his comments.