The Shanghai-based Bank of Communications announced that it will go public before the end of the year, making it one of the largest companies ever listed on the two Chinese stock markets---Shanghai and Shenzhen.

The move is part of significant reform measures in 2000 to inspire its competitiveness, said senior bank officials.

Other business-expanding measures include development of new products, expanding of domestic and overseas branches and reform of its staff's salary system.

Apart from the bank's listing, several other domestic banks are also scheduled to sell shares and to be listed on the stock market. These include the local Bank of Shanghai, the Beijing-based Minsheng Bank Co and the Shenzhen-based China Merchants Bank.