Hong Kong Exchange Opens New Conference Venue

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing has turned its former trading hall into an exhibition and conference venue for companies. The 32-year-old former trading hall was closed down in October last year, as share trading has gone electronic.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new HKEx Connect Hall and the first trading day of the Lunar New Year, HKEx Chief Executive Charles Li said the venue will be used to publish market data and news.

But the newly furbished facility will also be rented out for business activities, providing a central location, right in the heart of the business community, he said.

The new hall also has a Museum of Finance which exhibits the trading history of Hong Kong.

Talking about the economy, Li said in the coming year Hong Kong can be affected by factors such as potential US interest rate hikes and unexpected geopolitical developments. But he said he's expecting a very active market this year.