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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (September 7) notified Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) that it has increased its shareholding in HKEx, for the account of the Exchange Fund, to beyond 5% of the share issue of HKEx. The shareholding now amounts to 5.88%.
The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, said that the gradual acquisition by the Government of a significant share in HKEx was a demonstration of the Government's long-term confidence in HKEx. The holdings in HKEx will be retained by the Exchange Fund as a strategic asset in support of the maintenance of Hong Kong as an international financial centre, he added.
"HKEx is one of Hong Kong's principal engines of growth, an important part of our financial infrastructure, and a key agent in the growth of Hong Kong as an international financial centre," Mr Tsang said. "This acquisition underlines the Government's support for HKEx and enables the Government, over the longer term, to contribute as a shareholder to the promotion of HKEx's strategic development," Mr Tsang added.
Ends/Friday, September 7, 2007
Issued at HKT 20:05
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