Hong Kong Stock Exchange: The upgrading project of the Financial Hall has begun, consolidating Hong Kong's status as a financial hub.

On May 28, HKEX held a special event "Connecting the Global Future" to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment and presence of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on the trading floor, marking the modernization process of the Hong Kong securities market. HKEX has also launched an enhancement project for the Hong Kong Financial Conference Hall as part of the overall investment plan of the group, further solidifying the trading floor as a landmark in Central and highlighting its status as the core hub of Hong Kong's financial center. At the announcement in 2025, HKEX made a significant investment to purchase part of the commercial space and several office floors of the trading floor to establish the group's permanent headquarters, thereby enhancing the experience of issuers at the Hong Kong Financial Conference Hall market opening activities and establishing a closer connection with the community. HKEX today unveiled a preview of some of the enhancement projects, including the newly designed entrance to the Hong Kong Financial Conference Hall and the Financial Museum, and announced a photography exhibition to be held in October 2026, showcasing the history and development of the Stock Exchange and the trading floor. HKEX Chairman Don Tsang said, "The Stock Exchange and the iconic trading hall opened at the trading floor forty years ago, laying a solid foundation for the rapid development of the Hong Kong financial market. After being renovated into the Hong Kong Financial Conference Hall, it continues to symbolize the advantages of Hong Kong's open, resilient and globally connected market, playing an important role in linking China and the world. We will continue to promote market development, connecting capital, ideas, and opportunities from all over the world. We are delighted to invite Cathay to celebrate this important milestone with us today, and we will continue to connect all parties to promote the prosperous development of Hong Kong and create a better future together." Chairman of Jiangxi Guotai Group, Bai Deli, said, "We are honored to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Stock Exchange with HKEX. As the first company listed on the Stock Exchange, Cathay has been contributing to turning Hong Kong into a leading international financial center, and we are proud of this. Recently, we issued Hong Kong dollar bonds for the first time, fully demonstrating our firm commitment to the Hong Kong financial market. At the same time, Cathay has launched an investment plan far exceeding HK$100 billion, reflecting our confidence in Hong Kong as a leading global aviation hub. Looking ahead, we will continue to support the country's 'Five-Year Plan', further consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international financial and aviation hub, and strengthening connections between Hong Kong, the mainland, and the rest of the world, promoting closer connections between people, business opportunities, and opportunities."