The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (April 11) welcomes the announcement to increase the daily quota under Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect.
      
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Norman Chan, said, "Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect are important mutual access arrangements between the Hong Kong and Mainland capital markets. They have been operating smoothly since launch. The expansion of daily quota will further enhance the smoothness and certainty of trading, and help ensure that the process for the inclusion of A-shares in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index this year is orderly."
      
     To facilitate the process for the inclusion of A-shares in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, the HKMA has discussed with members of the banking and securities industries as well as the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited in the past few months to ensure liquidity in the offshore RMB market and efficient settlement arrangements. The HKMA will also continue to closely monitor market developments and maintain close communications with the Mainland authorities.

Ends/Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:20

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