(Yicai) Sept. 23 -- The Hong Kong Stock Exchange said it will no longer suspend trading in the securities and derivatives markets even when typhoon signal number eight or higher, a black rainstorm warning, or extreme weather conditions are in force.

"If a typhoon signal No. Eight (or above) or black rainstorm warning is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, or extreme conditions are in force or announced by the HKSAR Government, trading services and operations will continue in both the securities and derivatives markets on all available products under the respective markets," the HKEX announced today.

"Northbound Trading will also continue should severe weather occur on a Northbound trading day," the bourse added.

Adverse weather in Hong Kong has led the stock market to close 11 times since 2018, including four times last year, according to figures from the HKEX.

"We are very thankful for the unwavering support from the HKSAR government, regulators, and market stakeholders for this important initiative as we are taking an important step to advance our market infrastructure," said Wilfred Yiu, deputy chief executive of the HKEX.

"Hong Kong's securities and derivatives markets will no longer experience delays or suspension due to typhoons or rainstorms," Yiu noted.

"We are fully ready to operate resiliently under severe weather conditions," said Bright Smart Security's CEO Hui Yik Bun. "We have allocated sufficient manpower for the implementation and completed a successful rehearsal.

"In order to support our colleagues, remote working facilities have been put in place, ensuring that we can provide trading and other services smoothly on a severe weather trading day," Hui added.

"A key trademark of what defines a successful international financial center like Hong Kong is for the market to stay open regardless of weather conditions," according to Lyndon Chao, head of Equities and Post Trade at the Asia Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association.

Editor: Martin Kadiev