An alliance leading to a cross-trading programme between the Hong Kong and London stock exchanges is seen as further enhancing Hong Kong・s position as an international financial centre.
Carmen Moor, deputy head of corporate strategy for the
London Stock Exchange (LSE), said 200 Hong Kong stocks and 200 London stocks will be traded on both markets by the middle of next year.
：By allowing a large pool of quality companies and shares to be traded in London and Hong Kong stock exchanges, it will help attract more investors to trade in the two places,； she said. ：This will further strengthen the competitiveness of both markets.；
LSE's head of policy development, Patrick Morton, said Hong Kong is the first alliance city for LSE in Asia.
：London Stock Exchange chose Hong Kong as our first Asian alliance partner because we consider Hong Kong as a strategic springboard into Asia, and an exciting gateway to the Chinese mainland," he said.
：We believe the link up with Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx) will attract more Chinese companies to seek dual listings in both Hong Kong and London.
：London is the largest fund-raising centre in Europe, while Hong Kong is one of the largest financial centres in Asia. We believe the alliance between HKEx and LSE is a combination of the financial strength of Europe and Asia.；
Mr Morton said many European investors and fund managers like to invest in mainland companies. "With China's entry into the
World Trade Organisation, there will be many more Chinese firms going overseas for listing. We hope the alliance with HKEx will help the LSE to capture these opportunities."
