A trading link between Shenzhen and Hong Kong stock markets is likely to be launched this year so that international investors can access China’s high-growth shares, a senior official of the Hong Kong stock exchange said yesterday.

“The technical systems of the two exchanges will be connected soon after regulators on both sides finish their study into the program,” Charles Li, the chief executive of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, told Hong Kong media. The proposed Shenzhen-Hong Kong connect will enable foreign investors to trade in shares of high-growth startups that may benefit from China’s effort to rebalance economic growth from an excessive dependence on investment to a consumption-based mode.

Although a timetable for the launch has yet to be decided, preparations for the new link will take less time by modeling on the existing Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Li added.

The Shenzhen stock exchange on Tuesday denied rumors that the program would start in May, but confirmed that preparations for the scheme are underway and regulatory approval would be sought once work is completed.

The Shanghai and Hong Kong stock link, which started in November amid great fanfare, appeared to be losing its appeal as investors on both sides have left most of their daily investment quota untapped.

The Hong Kong exchange is seeking to lure investors by allowing short selling under the existing connect. The exchange also offers a new system that will allow foreign investors to sell Shanghai-listed shares without transferring their shares to brokers before selling.

Li said short-selling may be available before the Chinese lunar New Year on February 19.