Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) noted remarks by Li Keqiang, the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, today at the Boao Forum expressing support on the establishment of mutual market access between the stock markets of Shanghai and Hong Kong.  HKEx further noticed in the joint announcements by the Mainland and Hong Kong stock market regulators that approval in principle was granted to the programme.

"We welcome and are encouraged by Premier Li's remarks endorsing the mutual market access between the stock markets of Shanghai and Hong Kong," HKEx Chairman C K Chow said.

"The programme is not only a major breakthrough for the opening up of China's capital markets but also a great milestone for the development of Hong Kong as an international financial centre.  Hong Kong will again act as a bridge connecting the Chinese economy and the rest of the world," Chow added.

"We believe that this development would pave the way for the further opening up of Mainland China's capital markets and help promote the internationalisation of Renminbi.  We also believe this development would provide a new opportunity and create momentum for the further development of the Hong Kong capital market," HKEx Chief Executive Charles Li said.

"We will continue discussions with our Mainland counterparts and make a further announcement to update investors and the market in due course," Li said.

At the request of HKEx, trading in HKEx shares (stock code: 388) and the convertible bonds (stock code: 4575) on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited was halted with effect from 10:40 am on 10 April 2014 pending the release of a further announcement.

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