Reference is made to HKEx’s announcements dated 10 April, 29 April and 4 September 2014 relating to the establishment of Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect (“Stock Connect”). Unless the context otherwise requires, terms used in this announcement shall have the same meanings as those defined in the announcement dated 4 September 2014.

As noted in the Joint Announcement issued by the SFC and the CSRC on 10 April 2014, it should take approximately six months from the date of the Joint Announcement to complete the preparation for the formal launch of Stock Connect. Accordingly, there have been market expectations that Stock Connect will commence its operation in October 2014.

To date, the Parties are technically ready to implement Stock Connect. However, at the date of this announcement, HKEx has not received the relevant approval for the launch of Stock Connect, and there is no firm date for its implementation. Further announcements will be made as and when there are any material developments on the timetable of launch.

Information about Stock Connect is available on the HKEx website at http://www.hkex.com.hk/chinaconnect.

As implementation of Stock Connect is subject to Conditions, HKEx’s shareholders and potential investors are reminded to exercise caution when dealing in the HKEx securities. Investors should also exercise caution when dealing in any other securities traded on SEHK or SSE which may be included in the scope of Stock Connect and their derivatives.