The long-planned Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program is likely to be launched this year, Shenzhen Stock Exchange deputy general manager Lin Fan said on Wednesday.

Lin said technological and rule preparations are ready for a link program which will allow investors to trade on both bourses under a quota.

The Shenzhen move, following a similar connection between the Shanghai and Hong Kong bourses in 2014, is another big step in the opening-up of China's financial market.

Eyeing an international position, China will also study the feasibility of Shanghai-London Stock Connect in 2017, the China Securities Regulatory Commission said earlier this month.