Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited supports the proposals to improve corporate governance, contained in a public consultation document issued by the Standing Committee on Company Law Reform.

Kwong Ki-chi, chief executive of HKEx, welcomed in particular the proposal to give statutory backing to the general principle that a company director should not vote on matters in which he has a personal interest. "We also welcome the proposed statutory backing for connected transactions involving directors," Mr Kwong said.

"We generally support the other proposals as they will provide enhanced protection of minority shareholders interests.

"Some of the proposals, if accepted, will require amendments to the Listing Rules. Also, there will be a need for us to put in place procedures, as appropriate, to monitor compliance of listed companies with the new rules.

"HKEx will study the consultation document carefully and make a detailed submission to the Standing Committee on Company Law Reform," Mr Kwong said.