CHINA’S newly-established Beijing Stock Exchange plans to run two comprehensive technical tests with market players, one as early as Saturday, in a sign that the start of trading could be imminent.

Saturday’s test, and a second Oct. 9, aim to ensure all market participants are technically ready for the opening, the exchange said in a statement.

The Beijing Stock Exchange was set up this month to fund small and medium-sized enterprises. China’s securities regulator said it complemented two other bourses, in the business hub of Shanghai and the southern city of Shenzhen.

The test, which involves brokerages, information providers and fund houses, follows simulated trading by the Beijing exchange last week.

The Beijing exchange said it, along with the National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ), would set up the test, partnering with China Securities Depository and Clearing Corp., Shenzhen Securities Communication Co. and the China Securities Index Co.

Individual investors qualified to trade on the Beijing exchange must have at least 500,000 yuan (US$77,459) worth of assets on average in their stock accounts during the 20 trading sessions before they can apply to trade. They must also have at least 24 months of experience trading securities.

(SD-Agencies)