Hang Seng Bank recorded an attributable profit of about US$ 1.14 billion for the first half of 2007, up 43.2 percent over the same period last year, the company said in a report Monday.

Earnings per share were up 43.2 percent at US$ 0.6, the bank said.

The second interim dividend issued by Hang Seng Bank was US$ 0.14 per share, putting the total dividends for the first half of 2007 at US$ 0.28 per share, according to an interim report released by the bank on Monday.

The record results for Hang Seng, which has been largely operating in Hong Kong, reflected excellent progress with its long-term growth strategy, supported by buoyant economic conditions, said Raymond Or, the bank's chief executive.

Hang Seng's mainland subsidiary bank commenced operation in late May, marking the start of a new era of business growth, Or said, adding that the bank plans to build on the progress made in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.

The bank's assets were up 10.8 percent to US$ 94.92 billion, compared with US$ 85.67 billion on December 31, 2006.

(Xinhua News Agency July 31 2007)