Shenzhen-related shares soared yesterday, on hopes the development of Qianhai, a pilot financial hub in Shenzhen, will be speeded up.Logistics service provider Shenzhen International Holdings (0152) jumped more than 21 percent to HK$1.09 - its highest level since November 2007.
China International Marine Containers (2039), which recently converted from mainland B shares to H shares, gained 18.2 percent to a record HK$16.46.
Meanwhile, China Merchants Holdings (International) (0144) became the sharpest gainer among blue chips yesterday, rising 8.8 percent to HK$28.40.
Its parent, China Merchants Group, and the other two listed companies are reportedly the biggest landlords in Qianhai. Media reports have said the three firms own a combined 4.12 million square meters, or 27.5 percent, of the 15 million sq m of land in the district.
The sites are estimated to be worth more than 470 billion yuan (HK$585.5 billion), and the landlords are expected to sign deals with the Shenzhen municipal government within the first quarter on use of the plots.
Meanwhile, more Hong Kong banks, including HSBC and Hang Seng Bank (0011), are expected to be allowed to participate in cross- border lending in Qianhai.
NATALLIE CAI
