Christopher Hui: the Mainland-Hong Kong Stock Connect Demonstrates Vitality, Cohesion, and Extensibi

On November 26, Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR, stated in a video speech at the opening ceremony of the HKEX China Conference 2024 that over the past decade, the Mainland-Hong Kong Stock Connect have demonstrated three core attributes: vitality, cohesion, and extensibility. He remarked that the vitality of the Connect schemes stems from the robust growth and dynamism of the markets. Starting with stock market connectivity, the schemes have progressively expanded to cover bonds, wealth management, and derivatives under Swap Connect. Continuous optimization of trading mechanisms has attracted more investors, fostering integration and prosperity in both markets. Hui further noted that the cohesion of the Connect schemes is reflected in the close collaboration between regulatory authorities and market participants in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. The Connect mechanisms have garnered consensus among stakeholders in both regions and gained recognition from international markets for China's high-quality financial assets. This success has been pivotal in including A-shares in global indices, enhancing the international standing of the Chinese Mainland markets. He added that the extensibility of the Connect schemes represents unlimited future possibilities. Beyond the existing Stock Connect, Bond Connect, and Swap Connect, the SAR government is actively promoting new initiatives, such as the REITs Connect and a Southbound Renminbi Stock Trading Counter, to offer investors more diversified options and deepen the interconnection between the two markets.