HSBC and Citigroup have been selected to arrange the securitisation of five government tunnels and one bridge, and all relevant preparatory work is expected to be completed by the end of April, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Frederick Ma says.

A webpage will provide investors with the latest information on the operation and revenue of the transport infrastructure involved.

In his latest article published on the bureau's website, Mr Ma said the arrangers will be asked to widen the distribution network as much as possible.

Securitisation to develop local bond market

In addition, the arrangers and other participating financial intermediaries will be asked to provide a convenient way for retail investors to buy the bonds and provide a secondary market.

He continued: "This will further develop the local bond market. Subject to market conditions, we will provide the necessary information to retail and institutional investors as soon as possible to enable the offering of the concerned securitisation bonds."

Mr Ma also stressed that the securitisation programme is only a financial arrangement to raise funds.

"It would affect neither the Government's ownership nor management of the assets involved, and hence would not impact on the users and staff," he added.