BEIJING - Bank of China (BOC), one of China's major State-owned banks, reported faster profit growth in H1, with better business structure and overseas expansion.

Net profits stood at around 104 billion yuan ($16 billion) in the first six months, the lender said in its mid-year report filed with the Shanghai Stock Exchange Wednesday.

The growth rate was substantially higher than the 2.52-percent rise in the same period of last year.

The bank said it optimized its lending structure in H1, with more loans to emerging sectors, environmental protection and small businesses. More energy was also channeled into inclusive finance and rural areas.

Its overseas drive also picked up pace, with pre-tax incomes up 23.6 percent year on year. The bank kept its leading position in the clearing and settlement of the yuan, and established a presence in more countries, including Serbia, Angola and Ireland.

By June, BOC assets and liabilities grew 7.04 percent and 7.42 percent from the end of last year. The bad loan ratio edged down to 1.38 percent, and the provision coverage ratio stood at 152.5 percent.

BOC shares traded in Shanghai dropped 1.16 percent to 4.27 yuan Wednesday.