China Regulatory Update - Chartered Secretaries bring Hong Kong and Mainland China Closer

Regulators and experts from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland exchange views and update each other on the regulations and policies governing the capital and securities markets in both jurisdictions, during a meeting organised by The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries.

HONG KONG, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries (HKICS) hosted its China Corporate and Regulatory Update (CCRU) conference today (21 January 2010). The event was supported by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) and H-Share companies with representatives from HKEx, Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited and China Oilfield Services Limited speaking at the event.

Capital flows between Hong Kong and the Mainland have steadily increased and both capital and securities markets have become more interdependent. With a dramatic increase in the number of dual-listed companies in Hong Kong in recent years, good information exchange with up-to-date technical knowledge is an essential element in helping such companies grow and prosper. The Institute has been playing an important role in setting up a platform, CCRU, to update professionals and market practitioners on the latest developments, changes and trends in related regulations and practices in both Hong Kong and the Mainland.

"Many Hong Kong based companies have business operations on the Mainland and our members need a forum to keep them apprised of Chinese business practices and regulations. CCRU provides a platform for representatives from Hong Kong regulators, A and H-share companies, and market practitioners to exchange information and ideas directly," said Mrs. April Chan, President of HKICS. "This year's CCRU shares a number of practical cases covering various issues including management of investor relations of China listed companies and overseas acquisition. We believe professionals and market practitioners will benefit from obtaining first hand information from this China Update."

CCRU forms part of the Institute's Enhanced Continuing Professional Development Programme which is endorsed by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. HKICS is also a recognised institution by the Securities Futures Commission to provide continuous professional training.

About The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries

More than meets the eye.

The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries (HKICS) is an independent professional body dedicated to the promotion of its members' role in the formulation and effective implementation of good governance policies in Hong Kong and throughout China as well as the development of the profession of Chartered Secretary.

HKICS was first established in 1949 as an association of Hong Kong members of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) of London. It became a branch of ICSA in 1990 before gaining local status in 1994 and today has more than 5,000 members and approximately 2,500 students.

For more information, please visit http://www.hkics.org.hk

For press enquiries, please contact:

Ms Gloria Fung / Ms Elaine Cheung

Tel: +852-2881-6177

Fax: +852-2881-5050

Email: gloria@hkics.org.hk / elaine@hkics.org.hk