The Government intends to sell billions of dollars worth of its share portfolio before the end of the year, according to officials at Exchange Fund Investment (EFI).
Exchange Fund Investment chairman Yang Ti Liang said yesterday the disposals 'would take place in the second half'.
'We are studying the best way to sell the shares.' Analysts believe the market's strength may allow the Government to sell up to HK$30 billion, of the HK$120 billion of its portfolio that will come to the market, through placements.
They said shares held in HSBC, China Mobile and Hutchison Whampoa were the most likely candidates for such sales.
Director Chan Kam-lam said two methods could be used to unload the remaining shares.
'We will use either private placement or exchangeable convertible bonds to sell the shares,' Mr Chan said.