The Shenzhen Stock Exchange will likely launch its own linkup scheme with the Hong Kong Exchange in the second half of this year, South China Morning Post reported, citing comments from the Shenzhen exchange’s chief executive, Song Liping. “The go-ahead is likely to be given within the first half of this year and the program will likely be launched in the second half,” Song said at a press conference in Beijing. “The trading framework and general preparations have been made while simulated trading will be conducted to test the system after the mainland and Hong Kong regulators officially approve the scheme.”