SHANGHAI - All the preparation for a long-awaited international board on the Shanghai Stock Exchange is "basically" in place, Shanghai's vice-mayor said in a speech, giving the clearest sign yet that the board's launch is imminent.

"All the conditions for the board have basically been put in place. Next we will see the willingness of companies. The board will be put in place when the conditions are right," Tu Guangshao, who is in charge of Shanghai's finances, said on Monday night.

"We feel it (the board) is coming soon," Tu said, without disclosing a timetable.