Fitch Ratings has opened an office in Shanghai, the agency's second in China and 51st globally.

The establishment of the new Shanghai office reflects the increasingly important role of ratings within China and its interconnectedness with debt capital markets around the world. Fitch aims to provide investors with independent and prospective credit opinions, research and data.

``For many years we have operated with great success in China both through our office in Beijing and also with our joint venture China Lianhe, a leading local rating agency,'' says Mr Brett Hemsley, Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific Ratings. ``With China's continued growth and its importance to the global economy, we are excited to be expanding our presence to include Shanghai.''

Dual-headquartered in New York and London with over 50 offices worldwide, Fitch is a global rating agency dedicated to providing value beyond the rating through independent and prospective credit opinions, research and data.