PwC on Tuesday proposed cutting the market-cap threshold under Hong Kong's Listing Rules 18C for strategic companies with headquarters in Hong Kong and ongoing production and R&D in the city, according to Ming Pao.

The firm suggested lowering the threshold from HK$8 billion to HK$2 billion as part of a set of recommendations on Hong Kong's first five-year plan and this year's Policy Address. PwC capital markets managing partner Wong Kam Chien said the move would help Hong Kong innovative companies develop through the city's capital markets.