Software giant Oracle is to open its fifth branch in China's Xi'an, capital of northwestern Shaanxi Province, an ambitious move to strengthen its presence in China's vast western market.

The company will work with local partners to develop IT products and solutions, and persuade businesses and government agencies to use more IT products, said Yan Xuan, vice president of Beijing Oracle Software Systems Co. at a trade fair in Xi'an on Friday.

Oracle will also provide internship and training opportunities for local university students, said Yan, adding Oracle plans to set up offices in Shenyang, Nanjing and Jinan.

Though he did not elaborate on the size of the Xi'an branch, Yan said "the bigger the better" as Xi'an has considerable scientific expertise, hosting lots of universities and colleges.

"The Xi'an office will manage Oracle's business in northwestern China," said Yan.

Founded in 1977, Oracle has developed into one of the world's leading software suppliers and independent software companies. It was the first global software titan to enter the Chinese market in 1989.

Oracle China has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu and two development centers in Beijing and Shenzhen.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2007)