Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) has hosted a banquet in Beijing for about 100 guests to conclude its series of events celebrating the 20th anniversary of H-share listings.  The event on Thursday evening (28 November) also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the establishment of HKEx’s Beijing Representative Office. 

HKEx’s guests included many of those from the Mainland and Hong Kong who were involved in preparing to bring H-share companies to list in Hong Kong 20 years ago.  Representatives from Mainland regulatory bodies and exchanges as well as H-share companies and financial institutions were also invited.  

Guests saw a newly produced video (in Putonghua) on the background and history of H-share listings in Hong Kong, and HKEx Chairman C K Chow thanked everyone who has contributed to the listing of H-share companies and other Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong over the years.

“The listings of Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong have started the growth and development of both the Hong Kong and Mainland markets over the last two decades,” Mr Chow said.  “I strongly believe Hong Kong and the Mainland will continue to strengthen cooperation in this area to mutually benefit the development of both economies.”

The banquet began with opening remarks by HKEx Chief Executive Charles Li. China Securities and Regulatory Commission (CSRC) Vice Chairman Liu Xinhua also gave brief remarks at the dinner.

“The listing of H shares was an important milestone in the development of the Mainland and Hong Kong capital markets,” Mr Li said.  “Looking forward, there’s still huge room for both markets to cooperate, and Hong Kong will continue play its role as a gateway as well as a testing ground to help facilitate the opening up of the Mainland’s capital market.”

HKEx also held a media workshop in Beijing on Thursday for over 40 Mainland journalists to help them gain a better understanding of its securities market and H-share listings in Hong Kong. 

HKEx’s series of events to mark the 20th anniversary of H-share listings kicked off on 6 August with a market opening ceremony with representatives of the six companies that listed H shares in 1993.  It was followed by seminars on listing in Hong Kong in Zhengzhou, Guangzhou, Harbin and other cities from September to October.  There was also a training workshop for provincial and municipal financial services officials held in Qingdao in September.

As at the end of October 2013, 176 H-share companies, 122 red chip companies and 467 Mainland private enterprises were listed in Hong Kong, accounting for 56.5 per cent of the total market capitalisation and 68.4 per cent of the equity turnover value.

HKEx Chairman C K Chow (centre) is joined by HKEx Chief Executive Charles Li (third from left) as well as Liu Hongru, Chairman of the CSRC in 1993 (fourth from left); Charles Lee, Chairman of the Stock Exchange in 1993 (third from right) and CSRC Vice Chairman Liu Xinhua (fourth from right) and other important guests as he proposes a toast during the celebration dinner Thursday night.  Mr Chow thanked everyone who has contributed to the listing of H-share companies and other Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong.

 CSRC Vice Chairman Liu Xinhua delivers his remarks at the celebration dinner. 

Ends