Shanghai mayor vows more listings in Hong Kong as key trade show opens

The central government is pushing for deeper cooperation between Hong Kong and Shanghai to advance the opening up of the national economy, with the mayor of the mainland Chinese city pledging to encourage local companies to head south and list as a springboard for overseas expansion.

The two cities played crucial roles in connecting international and domestic markets, Zhou Ji, executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, told a symposium in Shanghai.

“They share the responsibility of advancing China’s high-quality opening up,” Zhou said. “I believe under the central government’s strong leadership, Shanghai and Hong Kong will create a powerful partnership.”

The symposium, which was organised by the Hong Kong government and the city’s Trade Development Council, was held in tandem with the opening of the China International Import Expo, one of the country’s most prominent trade shows.

Zhou also noted the overwhelming response to the event had meant more venue space was required to accommodate Shanghai investors.

The council later said more than 500 people had joined the event.