China to waive capital gains tax for Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect

China will waive capital gains taxes for foreign investors trading through the Shenzhen-Hong Kong exchange link, providing clarity ahead of the Connect's start on Dec 5.

Mainland authorities will also waive the capital gains tax for domestic individual investors buying shares listed in Hong Kong for three years, according to a statement posted on the Ministry of Finance's website. A capital gains tax will still apply to mainland institutional investors trading Hong Kong stocks and the authorities will levy a 20 percent tax on holding Hong Kong stocks.

The decision not to impose a capital gains tax mirrors a similar exemption for foreigners buying shares through the existing Shanghai Stock Connect program, which began two years ago.

The new Shenzhen link is expected to make about 880 stocks accessible to foreign investors. They include automaker Chongqing Changan Automobile Co, TCL Corp, China's biggest consumer-electronics maker, and appliance maker Midea Group Co. Mainland investors will be able to buy Hong Kong small caps for the first time.