After years of struggling to shed its parochial image, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange appears to have made it big - at least judging by a string of upbeat market indicators.
At its fourth general meeting last week, exchange officials and members rejoiced at its strong trading figures this year, which have put it on course to become a national exchange.
Exchange president Zhuang Xinyi said at the meeting: 'After six years of operation, the Shenzhen stock market has ushered in a new era, bringing to an end the trial stage of its development.' He optimistically predicted the exchange would play an increasingly important role, with its greater recognition across the country.
What was more, Shenzhen threw down the gauntlet to its bigger Shanghai rival: it wants to become China's top stock market.
A longer-term plan - within 15 to 20 years - was mapped out to expand Shenzhen into one of the world's major securities markets.
Shenzhen proposed an eight-pronged strategy to become a sophisticated exchange with a dynamic back-up service and risk management system.