Speakers:
Liu Shiyu, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission,
Li Chao, vice chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission,
Fang Xinghai, vice chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission,
Zhao Zhengping, vice chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission
Chairperson:
Hu Kaihong, spokesperson of the State Council Information Office
Date:
Feb. 26, 2017
Hu Kaihong:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. China’s capital market has long been watched closely by many people. Today we are delighted to invite to our press conference Mr. Liu Shiyu, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), and Mr. Li Chao, Mr. Fang Xinghai and Mr. Zhao Zhengping, the three vice chairmen of the CSRC. They will introduce to you the work done for the promotion of reform and development in China’s capital market and answer your questions. Mr. Huang Wei and Mr. Xuan Changneng, assistant chairmen of the CSRC, are also here today. Now, please welcome Mr. Liu.
Liu Shiyu:
Thanks every one for coming to the press conference of the CSRC.
In the past year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core, the CSRC and its related agencies continued to aim for the overall targets of stable growth and structural adjustment while benefitting people’s well-being and avoiding risks, as well as following the country’s supply-side structural reform, in order to carry out the various work relevant to reform and development in China’s capital market. The work can be summarized in three words: stable, strict, and progressing.
The first word is “stable.” Since I began my work at the CSRC, I felt that the market wanted stability more than anything after the turbulences in the stock market during 2015. Our work in the last year delivered on this goal. First is the stable policy expectation. We adhered to market-based, legal and internationalized reform, maintained consistency in our policies and continued with those policies and practices that were welcomed by and proved effective on the market. We also fully respected market rules, met market needs and concentrated on our work. Second, the market ran steadily last year. In 2016, with the effort of investors, the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets witnessed fewer fluctuations. Investors grew more optimistic, the market was steadier and the various functions of the market were enhanced. Third, market reform was conducted steadily. We carried out problem-oriented reform, addressed the various problems behind the turbulent market with institutional reform and carried out reform at a steady pace.
The second word is “strict.” In the past year, we managed the market in a rules-based, thorough and strict manner. First, we had strict standards. We had a strict approval standard for IPO, in order to ensure the soundness of listed companies and avoid problems from the very beginning. Second, we had strict practices. We resolutely addressed all the disorders and problems in the capital market. Third, we had strict self-management. We strengthened the Party discipline within the CSRC and its related agencies to enhance our own political awareness and ensure the strict management of ourselves.
The third word is “progressing.” First, bolder reforms were pushed ahead. By upholding a market-based economy, rule of law and globalization, we managed to improve a series of fundamental institutions of capital market through problem-oriented reforms. The National Equities Exchange and Quotations has divided its listed companies into different markets. The legal status and operating rules of regional equity markets have been clarified. The State Council has issued related documents in this respect. We have increased the efficiency of IPO for enterprises from impoverished counties. We have revised major restructuring and refinancing systems for listed companies quickly and made great efforts to improve the regulation rules on securities, funds and futures business institutions. We have given full play to the Stock Exchange’s regulatory functions at the frontline. We have innovated the methods and mechanism for protecting investors’ rights and interests. We have explored and set up a diversified mediation mechanism for securities disputes.
Second, new efforts have been made to support the substantial economy. Last year, 280 enterprises’ IPOs were approved and 248 enterprises completed IPOs. The turnover exceeds 163 billion yuan ($23.7 billion). Here are more figures I’d like to share with you. The listed companies raised over 1.34 trillion yuan after refinancing last year. Mergers and acquisitions of 261 enterprises were approved, increasing the capital strength of listed companies by over 980 billion yuan. NEEQ reporters may notice that the number of the companies listed on the NEEQ system doubled last year, exceeding 10,000 by the end of last year. They financed more than 139.1 billion yuan throughout the year. The bond market has made steady progress thanks to the coordination and support of multiple sectors. Net increase of the funds raised through corporate bonds exceeded 2.7 trillion yuan last year. These funds have supported the growth of the substantial economy.
Third, new achievements have been made in two-way opening. The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect has been further improved. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect started operation. Securities institutions, as well as stock exchanges involved in the “Belt and Road” initiative, have made remarkable achievements. The CSRC created a closer relationship with international securities regulatory commissions in the cross-border securities regulation and cooperation mechanisms. And the efficiency has been further improved.
The above-mentioned three aspects sum up our work from last year. We offer background materials including statistic data for your reference.
Now, my colleagues and I would like to take your questions.
Hu Kaihong:
Thanks Mr. Liu. Now, the floor is open to questions. Please identify your media outlet before raising questions.