[HKEX Responds to Extending Trading Hours and Canceling Lunch Break: Current Priority is Studying Extension of Derivatives Market Trading Hours] According to Securities Times, there are reports that Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is considering extending stock trading hours and canceling the lunch break period. In response, HKEX told Securities Times reporters that it has been committed to enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international financial center and is currently studying various measures to improve market convenience, including extending trading hours. HKEX stated: 'Our current priority is to study the proposal to extend the trading hours of the derivatives market. Whether to implement the relevant proposal will depend on gathering market opinions and obtaining regulatory approval. Additionally, we regularly explore various arrangements to optimize the market. Suggestions regarding optimizing trading hours for the cash market are still in a very early stage of discussion. Any adjustments to the cash market will require careful evaluation of the impact on the market, as well as comprehensive consideration of opinions from various market participants and the arrangements for the connectivity mechanism.'