OREANDA-NEWS. Investor Relations Symposium Latest Initiative Under HKEx's Stock Connect Education Programme. 

Since the launch of Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect nearly one year ago, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) has been active in rolling out programmes and initiatives designed to help educate Mainland investors on Hong Kong market operations and assist Hong Kong-listed companies as they work to enhance their communication in Mainland China.

While Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect has opened up a new pool of investors for Hong Kong-listed companies, their knowledge of HKEx's securities market varies.  The results of a survey jointly conducted by HKEx and the Shanghai Stock Exchange suggest that Mainland investors would like to know more about issues like corporate actions in Hong Kong.  The survey also found they are interested in the background and latest updates of Hong Kong-listed companies.

"It has become more important for Hong Kong-listed companies to spare more effort on onshore investor relations (IR) work in the Mainland since Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect was launched about a year ago," Mao Zhirong, Managing Director and Co-Head of HKEx's Mainland Division, said.  "In this mutual market access era, more Hong Kong-listed companies see the need to engage with Mainland investors, but they face challenges due to the differences between the two markets; retail investors account for about 80 per cent of the onshore market."

As part of HKEx's market outreach initiatives, it held a symposium with more than 200 representatives of Hong Kong-listed companies yesterday (Tuesday) to provide advice and best practices for IR work in Mainland China.

The symposium was designed for senior executives and IR professionals at companies listed in Hong Kong.  Speakers from the HKEx securities market's sell-side teams, buy-side funds and financial information providers together with seasoned IR practitioners were invited to share their practical experience along with their insights and views about investment practices and culture on the Mainland.

The symposium was jointly-organised by the Hong Kong Investor Relations Association and the Listed Companies Council of Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association.

"We will continue to work with our listed companies to strengthen their understanding of the Mainland's investment ecosystem, and to help them share the benefits brought by the Stock Connect programme," Mr Mao said.