Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) issued the following statement in response to media enquiries about today's budget speech by Hong Kong's Financial Secretary.

HKEx welcomes the measures in the Government’s budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year aimed at further strengthening the competitiveness of Hong Kong's financial services industry. 

HKEx noted the Government’s preliminary plan to issue iBonds designed for Hong Kong residents and hopes to talk with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority about the possible listing of the bonds on HKEx’s securities market.

“The measures related to financial services will help Hong Kong maintain its position as a leading international financial centre,” said HKEx Chief Executive Charles Li.

“We appreciate the Government’s latest plans, as well as its support of HKEx and our industry over the years,” Mr Li added. “Fostering further development of the offshore renminbi business in Hong Kong, continuing to improve Hong Kong’s listing facilities to attract more enterprises from key emerging and developed markets overseas,  further efforts in facilitating the secondary listing of overseas companies in Hong Kong and other initiatives announced today will be supportive as we continue to implement our current three-year strategic plan.”

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