Hong Kong provides an ideal capital formation and global investment platform, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Frederick Ma said at a business lunch in Kazakhstan today.

Addressing more than 200 guests in Almaty, Mr Ma encouraged Kazakhstani companies to make use of Hong Kong's listing platform to raise capital.

Noting that Hong Kong was a bridge to opportunities in the Mainland, Mr Ma said investors who are eyeing the growing Mainland market will certainly find Hong Kong's equity market an invaluable investment platform.

He said Hong Kong has a lot to offer Kazakhstani enterprises in terms of liquidity, quality and cost-effectiveness.

"We have a large, liquid and deep stock market attracting both Hong Kong and international investors. Over 40% of the total trading volume of our stock market comes from overseas investors. Our fund-raising capability is well proven," he said.

"Our regulatory regime is fully in line with international standards. Kazakhstani enterprises may list in Hong Kong not only for funding, but also for the quality stamp well recognised by the international financial community.

"It is more cost-effective to list in Hong Kong compared with other international financial centres, such as the US, in terms of professional fees and underwriting fees. In other words, you get the same service at a lower cost."