Quarterlytics / Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd

Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd

zheh · LSE
Claim this profile
Ticker zheh
Exchange LSE
Sector
Industry
Employees 1-10
← All annual reports
FY1997 Annual Report · Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
EVER DEVELOPING
EVER GROWING

Annual Report 1997

Contents

Company Profile

Financial Highlights

Chairman’s Statement

Management Discussion and Analysis

Corporate Structure

2

3-4

5-7

8-18

19

Directors, Supervisors and Senior Management

20-23

Report of the Directors

24-30

Report of the Supervisory Committee

Report of the International Auditors

Financial Statements

Consolidated Profit & Loss Account

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Balance Sheet

31

32

33

34

35

36

Notes to Financial Statements

37-57

Corporate Information

58

Company Profile
Company Profile

Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) is a joint stock limited company incorporated

in the Peoples’ Republic of China (the “PRC”) with limited liability in 1997. The H shares ("H

Shares") of the Company were listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“Hong

Kong Stock Exchange”) on 15 May 1997.

The Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) are principally engaged in investing in,

operating and developing high grade toll roads in Zhejiang Province, and the development

and operation of certain ancillary services, such as automobile servicing and fuel facilities.

The Company is regarded by the Zhejiang Provincial Government as an main enterprise

investing in, constructing and operating expressways and Class 1 roads in Zhejiang Province.

The Company has been granted an exclusive concession right to construct and operate the

Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway and the Shangyu-Sanmen Road for a period of

30 years. A first right of refusal has also been granted to the Company under which the

Company was given priority over other third parties to accept any concession right in respect

of any specified road in Zhejiang Province offered by the Zhejiang Provincial Government

or its authorised departments.

The Company’s principal strategies are:

•

•

to extract maximum value from existing expressways through the building of ancillary

facilities and other improvements, and (if appropriate) by adding extra lanes; and

to build or acquire new toll roads, generate increased traffic flow and revenues, and

2

attract more traffic into the existing toll roads of the Company.

The Company will only select those projects which it considers to be the most economically

viable. In the immediate future, the Company will concentrate on building or acquiring new

roads which connect with the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway with a view to

increasing traffic flow into the Company’s existing network. In view of the prevailing policies

and conditions of the PRC and Zhejiang Provincial government, the Company intends to

review its strategies as it deems appropriate in order to expand its asset base, increase its

profitability and maximize the shareholders’ return.

Financial  Highlights

CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

For the 10 months

Pro forma

ended 31 December

For the year ended 31 December

1997

1997

1996

Growth

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Turnover

376,785

Operating profit before exceptional item 329,044

Exceptional item

Operating profit before taxation

Taxation

Net profit before minority interests

Minority interests

25,355

354,399

(53,085)

301,314

(15,986)

439,789

346,871

25,355

372,226

(58,639)

313,587

(17,255)

Net profit attributable to shareholders

285,328

296,332

273,843

159,964

—

159,964

(60,296 )

99,668

186

99,854

(%)

60.6

116.8

132.7

214.6

196.8

Transferred to reserves

Dividends

(45,253)

(69,490)

Retained profits at the end of the period

170,585

Earnings per share

7.15 cents

7.77 cents

3.43 cents

126.5

3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

Total assets

Total liabilities

Net book value

As at 31 December

Pro forma

1997

1996

Change

Rmb’000

Rmb'000

11,466,377

6,222,082

(3,266,309)

(3,448,751 )

8,200,068

2,773,331

(%)

84.3

-5.3

195.7

Financial  Highlights

Pro forma
turnover
(Rmb million)

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

Pro forma
net profit attributable
to shareholders
(Rmb million)

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

95

96

97

95

96

97

Pro forma
earnings per share (cents)
8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Pro forma
total assets
(Rmb million)

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

4

95

96

97

95

96

97

Pro forma
total liabilities
(Rmb million)
3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

Pro forma
net book value
(Rmb million)
9,000

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

95

96

97

95

96

97

Chairman’s  Statement

Dear Shareholders,

The Company has achieved impressive results in a short period of time since the listing of

its H Shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in May 1997. The year of 1997 was a year

of celebration when Hong Kong was returned to the PRC. However, the financial turmoil

which had swept through Asia (excluding the PRC) during the year caught the world by

surprise with a far reaching impact. Notwithstanding the adverse conditions, the H Shares

were successfully listed before the handover and the business of the Company has achieved

substantial development. Due to the increase in the mileage of roads in operation and

appropriate use of capital, pro forma turnover of the Company was increased from

Rmb273,843,000 in 1996 to Rmb439,789,000 in 1997 by 60.6 %, pro forma net profit

attributable  to  shareholders  was  increased  from  Rmb99,854,000  in  1996  to

Rmb296,332,000 in 1997 by 196.8% (exceeding the forecast set out in the prospectus for

the offer of H Shares issued by the Company on 6 May 1997 (“Prospectus”) by 48.2%) and

pro forma earnings per share increased from Rmb0.034 in 1996 to Rmb0.077 in 1997 by

126.5%.

The Company aims to maximize shareholders’ returns and to develop infrastructure in the

PRC and in particular, in the Zhejiang Province. I believe that these two goals complement

each other.

Three Objectives

The Company has striven to achieve the following three objectives since its listing:

–

to achieve the forecast of consolidated profit after taxation and minority interests but

before extraordinary items of the Group for the year ended 31 December 1997 in

the sum of Rmb200 million;

–

–

to proceed with various investment projects and to appropriately use the proceeds

raised from the issue of H Shares; and

to raise the standard of the Company to meet international standard, to improve the

transparency of the Company and to improve its corporate image.

The first objective has been outperformed with the dedication of all of the staff of the

Company.

The second objective is a mid-term target.  The Company has applied 34.5% of the proceeds

from the issue of H Shares for, inter alias, contribution to the capital of Zhejiang Jiaxing

Expressway Company Limited ("Jiaxing Co") and the new Shangyu-Sanmen Road project.

To maximize the returns of the unused proceeds, some of them were placed in short-term

deposits and others were invested in government bonds and government bond repurchase

agreements.

5

Chairman’s  Statement

Three Objectives (continued)

The last objective is a long-term goal. Raising the standard of the Company to meet

international standard means refining the corporate philosophy, operating mechanism,

management skill and mode of practice of the Company.

I stress that this is a gradual process and not an end.  During this process, the Company and

its staff continue to seek to improve their abilities and improve management efficiency.  As

such, the Company’s asset and profit will be strongly enhanced and as a result, the

shareholders will benefit from this.

Improving the transparency of the Company means strengthening the communication among

its staff, shareholders, investors and the government to enable them to have a better

understanding of the Company.  Since the listing of H Shares, the Company has achieved

effective communications by a number of ways, including holding promotion activities,

arranging for research analysts and fund managers to visit the toll roads, and participating

in presentations held by various organizations. These activities helped improve its corporate

image and strengthen confidence of international investors in the Company’s management.

Looking Ahead

I believe the longer the term of the objective, the more difficult it is to achieve.  Long term

objectives  and  the  interests  of  the  Company  largely  depend  on  its  management,

contributions from its staff and support of its shareholders and the government.

The Company is committed to enhancing the value of its shares through effective corporate

6

management and strategic planing.

Corporate Management

Building on its own management experience and taking into consideration the management

experiences of those outstanding local and overseas companies, the Company is to set up

a  management  system  that  is  both  pragmatic  and  of  international  standards  and

requirements.

This system includes laying down the rules governing duties of the board of directors (the

"Directors") with a view to developing a self-regulating mechanism. This helps ensure that

the Directors always act in the best interests of the Company. Measures will also be

introduced to improve the Company’s communication channels. Different departments of

the Company are required to follow certain objectives and behaviour codes. This helps the

departments coordinate their operations, carry out their respective duties and accomplish

the Company’s overall objectives.

The Company will also adopt a flexible system of staff recruitment, assessment,  motivation

and training. The Company also aims to provide its staff with a pleasant working environment

to enable them to attain job satisfaction so as to contribute to the Company.  The Company

will continue to recruit outstanding and experienced professionals and improve qualifications

of staff.

Chairman’s  Statement

Strategic Planning : Development

To enable the Group to take any favourable opportunities, the Company reviews its

development strategies from time to time.

The Directors believe that economic reforms in the PRC will be further carried out and the

government also encourages large enterprises which are financially sound and competitive

to acquire and merge with other existing enterprises in order to improve their efficiency

and productivity.  In addition, the Directors believe that the PRC government also encourages

investment in infrastructure projects.

Looking ahead, the Company also plans to invest in other road-related projects, with a

view to broadening the Company's scope of business. In light of the PRC government's

current policy which encourages the development and investment in infrastructure projects

whilst continuing to engage in operation of toll roads, the Group also wishes to invest in

other transportation-related infrastructure projects' gradually.

The memorable year of 1997 is over and the Company is facing a more challenging year

ahead. The Company believes, that with the dedication of its staff, the continuous support

of its shareholders as well as the government, the Company will be able to achieve a stable

growth in the forthcoming year.

Geng Xiaoping

Chairman and General Manager

Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the PRC

24 March 1998

7

Management Discussion and Analysis

General Situation of Zhejiang Province

Since the economic reform and implementation of the open door policy, Zhejiang Province

has experienced rapid social and economic growth and has become economically strong.

From 1992 to 1996, the average annual growth rate of the gross domestic production

(“GDP”) of Zhejiang Province was 32.5%. In 1997, Zhejiang Province maintained a stable

economic growth. Its GDP for the year reached Rmb460 billion, increasing by 11% when

compared with last year whilst it’s per capita GDP was Rmb10,374, increasing by 10% when

compared with last year.

Market prices of goods have been rising at low rates. The retail price of commodities and

the retail price of consumption goods for the whole year increased by 0.4% and 2.8%

respectively over last year, representing a 5.4% and 5.1% drop respectively in increase

rates when compared with last year.

General Situation of Road Traffic

In the last five years, Zhejiang Province has witnessed the largest scale of investment and

fastest development in its transportation infrastructure. The total investment for the past

five years amounted to Rmb27 billion and the total length of roads built was 36,532 km, the

total length of newly built roads in Zhejiang Province was 4,608 km, of which expressways

accounted for 161 km, and Class 1 roads, 414 km. In 1997, an additional 10 km of expressways

and 225 km of Class 1 roads were in operation.

In 1997, the freight traffic volume by various transport modes was 91.52 billion tonnes km

with an increase of 1.6% from last year, of which 17.22 billion tonnes km was by railways

(decreased by 3.7%), 26.3 billion tonnes km was by roads (decreased by 1.2%) and 48

billion tonnes km was by waterways (increased by 5.3%). The passenger traffic volume for

the whole year was 53.6 billion persons km, representing an increase of 7.0% over last year,

8

Management Discussion and Analysis

General Situation of Road Traffic (continued)

a total of 10.12 billion persons km, 42.43 billion persons km and 1.08 billion persons km

were attributed to railways, road and waterways respectively, representing an increase of

3.1% and 8.3% and a decrease of 3.7% respectively.

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

Highway passenger turnover volume -

100 million persons km
Highway freight turnover volume -

100 million tonnes km

The cargo handling capacity of the important ports along the coastal line was 0.13 billion

tonnes for the year, representing an increase of 23.5% when compared with last year.

However, transportation in Zhejiang Province still lags behind the economic and social

developments of the PRC. The main indices of the traffic infrastructure of Zhejiang Province,

such as class and length of roads, are only at the nation’s medium level.

Zhejiang Province is planning to increase the length of high grade roads to approximately

1,000 km in the next five years, the target is to build “a road network which requires four

hours of drive between the provincial capital and the towns” by the completion of the road

network consisting of Zhejiang Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway,

Ningbo-Taizhou-Wenzhou Expressway, Hangzhou-Jinhua-Quzhou Expressway, Shangyu-

Shanmen Class 1 Road, Zhejiang section of Hangzhou-Nanjin Expressway and Jinhua-Lishui-

Wenzhou Class 1 Road.

Business Review

The revenue of the Company is mainly attributable to the toll income of the Shanghai-

Hangzhou-Ningbo  Expressway  and  its  connecting  road.  In  1997,  it  amounted  to

Rmb465.27  million,  representing  an  increase  of  60.5%  over  1996.  The  significant

improvement was due to the increase of traffic mileage of the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo

Expressway. Sections of the expressway which were opened to traffic in 1997 were 158.2

km. Prior to the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway becoming fully operational in December

1996, the total length of the sections opened to traffic was approximately 92.8 km. This is

an increase by 65.4 km when compared with that in 1996.

9

Management Discussion and Analysis

Business Review (continued)

Due to the increase of traffic mileage, both the average distance travelled and the toll rate

per motor vehicle have significant growth:

Annual average daily full trip traffic flows(1) (2)

(number of vehicles)

Average distance travelled(3) (km)

Average toll rate per motor vehicle(4) (Rmb)

Increase

1997

1996

(%)

9,500

46.19

36.51

9,489

28.98

27.89

0.1

59.4

30.9

Notes:

(1)

(2)

(3)

annual average daily traffic flows =  annual total vehicle mileage (traffic mileage *365). The above 1997 figure
is smaller than the estimated figure stated in the Prospectus. It is  mainly due to two interchanges constructed
by Hangzhou Municipal Government between the end of June and December in 1997. The traffic flows w ere
therefore temporarily affected. After completion of the construction, the traffic flows have been improved.

excluding the toll free vehicles allowed by law.

average distance travelled = annual total vehicle mileage/annual total number of vehicles which passed
through.

(4)

toll rate per motor vehicle = annual total toll revenue/annual total number of vehicles which passed through.

HANGZHOU-NINGBO EXPRESSWAY

The overall length of the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway is 145 km. The Hangzhou-Ningbo

Expressway starts at Pengbu in the eastern suburb of Hangzhou and passes in a south

easterly direction through Xiaoshan, Shaoxing, Shangyu, Yuyao and Yinxian, ending at

Dazhujia in the suburbs of Ningbo. The Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway is wholly-owned by

the Company and there are 12 toll stations.

The first section of Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway, with a length of 7 km, runs from Pengbu

of Hangzhou to Xiaoshan. It was opened to traffic in 1992. The section from Xiaoshan to

Shangyu was first opened to traffic at the end of 1995, and was fully opened in December

1996. Three interchanges in Keqiao, Guali and Dayin were opened respectively in February,

March and November of 1997. Sanjiang service station commenced operation in March in

the same year.

Toll revenue of the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway in 1997 amounted to Rmb373.52 million,

representing an increase of 31.6% from 1996.

10

Management Discussion and Analysis

SHANGHAI-HANGZHOU EXPRESSWAY

The overall length of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway (in Zhejiang Province) is 102.6

km. The Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway starts on the boundary between Zhejiang Province

and Shanghai Municipality and ends at Pengbu in the eastern suburbs of Hangzhou where

it connects with the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway. The Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway

has 7 toll stations and comprises the Hangzhou Section, Yuhang Section and Jiaxing Section.

Hangzhou Section

The Hangzhou Section, with an overall length of 3.4 km, connects the Shanghai-Hangzhou

Expressway with the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway. The Hangzhou Section is wholly-owned

by the Company and was opened to traffic at the end of December in 1995. Toll revenue

for this section is calculated in proportion to the length of the section bears to the total

length of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway. In 1997, toll revenue from this section

amounted to Rmb14.74 million, representing an increase of 42.1% over 1996.

Yuhang Section

Yuhang Section falls within the boundary of Yuhang County. The total length of Yuhang

Section is 11.1 km, of which 9.8 km was opened to traffic and started collecting tolls since

the end of December in 1995. The remaining 1.3 km of the section is expected to be

operational before the end of 1998, the same time the Jiaxing Section of the Shanghai-

Hangzhou Expressway is expected to be operational. Yuhang Section has one toll station.

The Yuhang Section is owned by Zhejiang Yuhang Expressway Company Limited (“Yuhang

Co”) in which the Company has a 51% interest. Yuhang Co is responsible for the construction,

maintenance and management of the Yuhang Section. It also has an interest in a road of

5.7 km connecting National Road 320 to the Yuhang Section (“East Connecting Road”). In

1997, toll revenues from the Yuhang Section and the East Connecting Road amounted to

Rmb 77.01 million, representing an increase of 40.3% over 1996.

Jiaxing Section

The Jiaxing Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway, with an overall length of 88.1

km, connects Yuhang Section through Haining southwesterly. It extends northeasterly to

Shanghai, connecting expressways in Shanghai Municipality.

Jiaxing Section is owned by Jiaxing Co in which the Company originally had a 51% interest.

Subsequently, the Company acquired an additional 2.44% interest in Jiaxing Co according

to the restructuring arrangement after the Company’s listing. The Company’s interest in

Jiaxing Co increased to 53.44%.

11

Management Discussion and Analysis

Jiaxing Section (continued)

A subscription agreement was signed by the Company, Jiaxing Co and, a shareholder of

Jiaxing Co, Zhejiang Jiaxing Road and Bridge Construction and Development Company

(“Road and Bridge Co”) on 11 April 1997 in respect of the increase in the registered capital

of Jiaxing Co by Rmb1 billion. Pursuant to that agreement the parties thereto agreed that

the Company and Road and Bridge Co would subscribe for the additional capital of Jiaxing

Co in the sum of approximately Rmb 534 million and Rmb 466 million respectively after the

listing of the H Shares. On 28 October 1997, the said parties agreed to subscribe for the

additional capital of Jiaxing Co according to the following schedule:

October 1997

December 1997

January 1998

March 1998

May 1998

July 1998

September 1998

Total

Road and

The Company

Bridge Co

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

80,167.5

80,167.5

80,167.5

80,167.5

80,167.5

80,167.5

53,445.0

69,832.5

69,832.5

69,832.5

69,832.5

69,832.5

69,832.5

46,555.0

534,450.0

465,550.0

12

By December 1997, the Company made a contribution to the registered capital of Jiaxing

Co in the sum of approximately Rmb160 million as scheduled. The balance will be invested

in 1998 by instalments.

In 1997, the construction works representing 25.73% of the total contract sum of Jiaxing

Section were completed and the construction works representing an aggregate of 70.70%

of the total contract sum was completed. Paring works, drainage works, protection works,

construction of bridges and passageways, and road facilities of the foundation works

representing 18.60%, 76.99%, 79.5%, 89.09% and 7.61% of the contract sums respectively

were completed.  Jiaxing Section is expected to be completed and opened to traffic by the

end of 1998.

Management Discussion and Analysis

Shangyu-Sanmen Road

On 8 December 1997, the Company convened an extraordianry general meeting to approve

the establishment of a limited liability  joint venture company, Zhejiang Shangyu-Sanmen

Highway Company Limited (“Shangsan Co”), with Zhejiang Provincial High Class Highway

Investment Company Limited (“Provincial Investment Co.”), Shangyu Municipal Transport

Bureau (“Shangyu Transport”), Shengzhou Municipal Transport Bureau (“Shengzhou

Transport”), Xinchang County Transport Development Company (“Xinchang Transport”),

Tiantai County Transport Development Company (“Tiantai Transport”) and Huajian

Transportation Economic Development Centre (“Huajian”), a subsidiary of the Ministry of

Communications of the PRC. Shangsan Co will engage in the investment, construction,

development, operation and toll-collection of the Shangyu-Sanmen Road and the acquisition

of the operational section of Shangyu-Sanmen Road.

The Shangyu-Sanmen Road is a Class I Road which, upon completion, will run from Guzhu

Interchgange on the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway to Wuao Interchange on the Ningbo-

Taizhou-Wenzhou Expressway. The total investment of the Shangyu-Sanmen Road, with a

total length of 143km, was estimated to be  Rmb4,290 million. The construction of the

project is divided into two phases. Phase 1, consisting of four short sections in Shangyu,

Shenzhou, Xinchang and Tiantai, has a total length of 37.5km and has been operational

since February 1997. The construction of the second phase commenced in February 1998

and is intended to be completed by the middle of 2001.

Shangsan Co has a registered capital of Rmb2,400 million, of which Rmb1,224 million was

contributed by the Company. Accordingly, the Company owns a 51% interest in the Shangsan

Co., while Huajian, Tiantai Transport, Provincial Investment Co., Shangyu Transport, Xinchang

Transport and Shengzhou Transport own 18.4%, 7.0%, 6.6%, 6.0%, 6.0% and 5.0% of the

interests in Shangsan Co, respectively.

13

Management Discussion and Analysis

Use of Proceeds

A total of Rm b3,524 million (approximately HK$3,293 million) was raised by the issue of H

Shares after deduction of listing expenses of Rmb155 million (approximately HK$145 million).

The application of proceeds was in line with proposed application as disclosed in the

Prospectus. The proceeds were mainly applied as follows:

Rmb million

1.

Repayment of loans and interest

Repayment of the principal and interest of banking facilities

(annual interest rate ranging from 10.98% to 13.14%)

253.5

Repayment of the principal and interest of loans

by the Ministry of Communications of the PRC

(annual interest rate of 6.6%)

Repayment of interest of loans by World Bank

(annual interest rate of approximately 6.5%)

Subtotal

2.

3.

4.

Investment in the Shangyu-Samen Road project

Investment in Jiaxing Section of the

Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway

Purchase of approximately 2.44% of the registered

capital of Jiaxing Co

Total

The Future Plan for the Unused Proceeds

14

116.0

19.0

388.5

637.5

160.0

29.4

1,215.4

Rmb million

586.5

1.

2.

3.

Investment in the Shangyu-Sanmen Road project

Investment in the Jiaxing Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway 374.0

Investment in the Huzhou Section of the Hangzhou-Nanjing Expressway

and related National Road 104 (depending on the

outcome of negotiations)

4.

Payment in respect of Contract No. 8

(to upgrade traffic operation systems)

Total

900.0

146.0

2,006.5

The balance will be used mainly for working capital and repayment of loans and interest.

Management Discussion and Analysis

Financial Review

The following discussion and analysis are designed to enhance understanding of the financial

performance and condition of the Group.  The accounting period for the Company in 1997

was the ten month period from 1 March 1997 to 31 December 1997.  The 1996 and 1997

pro forma results are used for comparative purposes.  This section should be read in

conjunction with the Company’s and the Group’s audited accounts and notes to the Accounts

on pages 33 to 57 of this report.

Turnover

The Group’s pro forma turnover increased to Rmb439,789,000 from Rmb273,843,000 in

1996, representing a 60.6% growth.  As the toll rate in 1997 remains the same as in 1996,

the increase in 1997 turnover was mainly due to the increase in the length of road in operation

from  92.8 km in 1996 to 158.2 km in 1997, representing a 70.5% increase.

In accordance with the Concession Agreement signed between the Company and the
Zhejiang Provincial Government, there will be a first toll rate increase of the Shanghai-
Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway in July 1999.

Length of Road in
Operation (Km)
200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

95

96

97

15

Management Discussion and Analysis

Turnover Contribution

Entrance Fee

(20%)

Hangzhou Section of

Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway
(3.4 %)

Yuhang Section of

Shanghai-Hangzhou

Expressway

(9.5%)

Distance-based fee

(80%)

Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway
(87.1%)

Toll structure of the Company combines both entrance fee and distance-based charge

while tolls for most of the other toll roads in the PRC comprise only the distance-based

charge. As the entrance fee contributed 20% to the turnover of the Company in 1997, it will

be very important to the Company due to the additional roads in operation in the future.

In 1997, Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway contributed most to the Company’s turnover. In

January 1998, Shangyu-Sanmen Road Phase 1 (37.5km) began its revenue contribution.

Following the construction schedule, by the end of 1998, Shanghai Hangzhou Expressway

(Yuhang Section and Jiaxing Section), an expressway connecting Shanghai and Hangzhou,

will become fully operational.

16

The Company will continue to explore opportunities to expand its business to ancillary

services such as road-side advertising, communication conduit rental, towing and gas

servicing.

Net Profit Attributable to Shareholders
Pro  forma  net  profit  attributable  to  shareholders  of  the  Company  increased  to

Rmb296,332,000, 196.8% growth from 1996.  Profit margin (pro forma net profit attributable

to shareholders divided by pro forma turnover) reached 67.4% in 1997 from 36.5% in 1996

was  mainly due to the increase in interest income (mainly the exceptional item as described

in note 5 to the financial statements in  page 42 of this report), improved efficiency and

further cost control.

(cid:31)(cid:31)•~ˆB
“(cid:31)“F(cid:31)‡ƒß⁄§†b§Q

⁄H¥`„(cid:31)¥(cid:31)‚U⁄‚

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

Profit margin (%)
100

67.4%

43.3%

36.5%

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

95

96

97

95

96

97

  
Management Discussion and Analysis

Net Profit Attributable to Shareholders (continued)

The pro forma net profit attributable to shareholders of the Group for the year ended 31

December 1997 exceeded the forecast net profit attributable to shareholders of the Group

referred to in the Prospectus by 48.2% due to the following reasons:

1)

the funds raised from the issue of H Shares exceeded the estimated amount referred

to in the Prospectus and the earned interest has thus increased;

2)

the high interest rate (10.98%-13.14% per annum) commercial loans have been repaid

in advance of the due date and the interest expenditure for the year 1997 was thus

decreased;

3)

the investment to be made in the Huzhou Section of the Hangzhou-Nanjing

Expressway has been postponed and the interest income for the year was thus

increased; and

4)

the actual revenue from the non-principal business, including communication conduit

rental, roadside advertising, towing and gas servicing, exceeded the estimated

revenue by approximately Rmb11 million.

17

Management Discussion and Analysis

The Year 2000 Problem

The main computer systems of the Company include the financial management system

and the toll collection system.

The Company has adopted an advanced financial system. Accordingly, its computer

programmes do not have the Year 2000 Problem.

The Company will adopt a new toll collection system for Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway

under Contract No.8 by the end of 1998 in place of the existing toll collection system. The

Company also requires the relevant suppliers to ensure the programmes of the new system

is free from the Year 2000 Problem.

In the event of adoption of any new computer systems in the future, the Company will take

into account of such a problem, in order to avoid any material adverse impact on its sound

operational management.

The Effect of Recent Economic Developments on the Company

Since 1997, the economy of Asia has changed greatly, particularly in the second half of

1997. Some regions in Asia, including Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea were in financial

crisis. However, the revenue and profit of the Company were not affected.

All businesses of the Company are operated in the PRC. The revenue and profit of the

Company would be affected mainly by two factors, namely traffic volume and toll rates with

their adjustments. Traffic volume would be affected mainly by economic developments of

18

the PRC and in particular, Zhejiang Province, which has not been materially affected by the

recent economic developments in Asia. Toll rates may be adjusted with reference to the

compound growth rate of the PRC Retail Price Index every three years.

The revenues of the Company are denominated in Reminbi. In case Reminbi devalues, the

profitability of the Company will be adversely affected. Though the Asian financial turmoil

puts devaluation pressure on Reminbi, officials of the PRC government have, in various

occassions, claimed that in the near future, Reminbi will not devalue, given the satisfying

macro economy, import/export trade and foreign reserve conditions in the PRC.

Corporate Structure

Other
Shareholders

Other
Shareholders

Other
Shareholders

Holders of
H Shares

Provincial
Investment Co

Other
Shareholders

20%

46.56%

49%

33%

67%

49%

80%

53.44%

the Company

51%

51%

Gaotong Co

Jiaxing Co

Yuhang Co

Shangsan Co

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Jiaxing
Section
88.1 km

Yuhang
Section
11.1 km

Hangzhou
Section
3.4 km

Shanghai - Hangzhou Expressway
102.6 km

Hangzhou - Ningbo
Expressway
145.0 km

Shangyu - Sanmen
Road
143.0 km

Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway and the Hangzhou Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou

Expressway with a total length of approximately 145 km and 3.4 km respectively are wholly

owned by the Company. It also has a 51% interest in the Yuhang Section of the Shanghai-

Hangzhou Expressway (which is approximately 11.1 km long) through Yuhang Co and a

53.44% interest in the Jiaxing Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway (which is

approximately 88.1 km long) through Jiaxing Co. Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway together

with Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway are collectively referred to as the “Shanghai-Hangzhou-

Ningbo Expressway” and has a total length of 247.6 km. Moreover, the Company has a

51% interest in the Shangyu-Sanmen Road with a total length of 143 km through Shangsan

Co.

Zhejiang Gaotong Stone Developing Co., Ltd. (“Gaotong Co”) was established on 3

November 1997 in the PRC as a limited liability company, with a registered capital of Rmb5,

000,000. The Company owns 80% of its interests. The other shareholder is an independent

third party not connected with the Company. Gaotong Co, by developing a stone market

(which is situated beneath the flyover near the Hangzhou toll station of Shanghai-Hangzhou-

Ningbo Expressway), is engaged in processing and selling stones, selling stone craftwork,

pottery, construction decoration materials and stone processing machinery and moulds,

and designing stone decoration works and stone decorations, so as to fully utilize the

geographical advantages enjoyed by the expressway.

19

Directors, Supervisors and Senior Management

Executive Directors and Senior Management

Mr Geng Xiaoping, age 49, is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Manager

of the Company. He is responsible for the overall management of the Company's business.

Mr Geng graduated from the East China College of Political Science and Law in Shanghai

and obtained a bachelor's degree in law in 1984. From 1979 until 1991 he worked in various

positions at the People's Procuratorate of Zhejiang Province including Division Chief and

Deputy Procurator. In 1991, he was appointed the Deputy Director of Zhejiang Provincial

Expressway Executive Commission, and responsible for the business operation and

administration of the expressway system in Zhejiang. Mr. Geng has entered into a service

contract with the Company and works full time for the Company.

Mr Ying Shudeng, age 60, is a senior engineer. He is a Director, the Chief Financial Officer

and a Deputy General Manager of the Company and is responsible for administration and

finance. Mr Ying obtained a degree from Hangzhou Technical College (which is now Zhejiang

University) in 1960 in mechanical engineering specialising in road construction design.

Between 1960 and 1962, he completed a masters degree in advanced mathematics from

Zhejiang University. In December 1962, he began his career in the transport industry with

the Works Bureau of the Zhejiang Provincial Communications Office. His responsibilities

included road construction. From 1964 until 1971, he held a number of positions ranging

from engineer to Division Chief in the Provincial Communication Office. His responsibilities

included transport planning, financial administration, auditing and transport enterprise

management. Since 1996 and prior to joining the Company, he was a Deputy Head of the

preparatory unit which was responsible for establishing the Company and co-ordinating

the reorganization of the Group for the purposes of listing and listing of the Company on

the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Mr Ying has entered into a service contract with the

Company and works full time for the Company.

Mr Fang Yunti, age 48, is a Director and Deputy General Manager of the Company. He is

responsible for overall operations of the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway which

includes responsibility for technical equipment used by the Company in its operations. Mr

Fang graduated from Qing Hua University with a degree in automotive engineering in

1976. From 1976 to 1988, he was the Deputy Engineer and General Manager of Zhejiang

Province Automobile Transport Company. From 1988 to 1990, he was the Chief Engineer

at the Provincial Road Transport Company. In 1990, he was appointed as the Head of the

Operating Administrative and Technical Equipment Divisions of the Executive Commission

where his responsibilities included supervision of the operations and construction of the

Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway. He remained in that position until joining the

Company upon its formation. He has entered into a service contract with the Company and

works on a full time basis.

20

Directors, Supervisors and Senior Management

Executive Directors and Senior Management (continued)

Mr Xu Yikuang, age 62, is a senior engineer, a Director and the Chief Engineer of the

Company and is responsible for planning and development of the Company's operations.

Mr Xu graduated from Tong Ji University in 1958 and obtained a degree in engineering,

majoring in the construction and design of bridges and tunnels. Since 1958, Mr Xu has held

several positions including as the Chief Engineer of the Hunan Province Transport Planning

Design Institute, and Chief of the Engineering Administrative Division of the Executive

Commission. From 1988 to 1990 he was in charge of the design of the Hangzhou-Ningbo

Expressway. From 1990 until 1996, Mr Xu was actively involved in the preparation,

assessment, negotiation and implementation of the World Bank loans project in connection

with the construction of the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway. Mr Xu has more than

40 years of experience in the design, construction and administration of roads and bridges.

Since 1996 and prior to joining the Company, Mr Xu was a Deputy Head in the preparatory

unit which was responsible for establishing the Company, co-ordinating the reorganization

of the Group for the purposes of listing and listing the Company on the Hong Kong Stock

Exchange. Mr Xu has entered into a service contract with the Company and works full time

for the Company.

Mr Xuan Daoguang, age 53, is a senior engineer, a Director and Manager of the Company.

Mr Xuan graduated from the Tong Ji University in 1960 with a degree in engineering, majoring

in the construction and design of bridges and tunnels. Mr Xuan has 37 years of experience

in engineering maintenance with the Road Administration Division including being the

Section Head and, later, the Head of the Road Administrative Division of Jinhua City. Since

1996 and prior to joining the Company, he worked for the Executive Commission and was

responsible for the administration of engineering works within Zhejiang Province, including

repair and maintenance on the completed sections of the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo

Expressway. Mr Xuan has entered into a service contract with the Company and works full

time for the Company.

Mr Zhang Jingzhong, age 34, is a lawyer and is a Director and Company Secretary of the

Board of Directors and is responsible for all secretarial and legal matters. He graduated

from Hangzhou University in July 1984 obtaining a bachelor's degree in law. In 1984, he

joined the Zhejiang Provincial Political Science and Law Policy Research Unit. From 1988 to

1994, he was the Associate Director of Hangzhou Municipal Foreign Economic Law Firm

where he obtained considerable experience in company and commercial law. In January

1994, Mr Zhang became the Senior Partner at the T&C Law Firm in Hangzhou. He retired as

the Senior Partner to join the Company on 2 April 1997. Mr Zhang has entered into a

service contract with the Company and works on a full time basis for the Company.

21

Directors, Supervisors and Senior Management

Executive Directors and Senior Management (continued)

Ms Zhang Chunming, age 33, is a lawyer and is a Director and Manager of the Company

and is responsible for legal and securities related issues. She graduated from the East

China College of Political Science and Law in Shanghai obtaining a bachelor's degree in

law in 1986. From 1987 to 1994, she practised as a lawyer with the Zhejiang Provincial

Economics Law Firm in Hangzhou and her practice included financial, securities and property

matters. Ms Zhang has also obtained the qualifications required by the regulatory authorities

in China to practise law involving securities and, in 1994, she spent six months undergoing

training in Hong Kong. Since 1994 she has been a partner of the Shield Law Office in

Hangzhou. She has entered into a service contract with the Company under which she has

agreed to devote 60% of her time to the Company's business.

Independent non-executive Directors

Dr Hu Hung Lick, Henry O.B.E. PhD, JP., age 78, has been practising as a barrister for over

42 years and is currently the President of Shue Yan College, and a member of the Standing

Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Congress and the China

International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission. Dr Hu is also an adviser to the

China Research Committee of Juvenile Delinquency.

Mr Tung Chee Chen, age 55, is the Chairman of Orient Overseas (International) Limited. Mr

Tung was educated at the University of Liverpool, England, where he received his Bachelor

of Science degree. He later acquired a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering at the

Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States. He is a registered Professional

Engineer in the State of California.

Supervisors

Mr Xia Linzhang, age 54, is an engineer, having graduated from Jiao Zou Mining College.

Prior to commencing with the Company, he was the Head of Suichang Gold Mine, Deputy

Head and Head of Suichang County, Zhejiang Province and Deputy General Secretary of

Lishui District. In 1994, he was appointed the Chief of the Planning and Finance Division of

the Executive Commission. Mr Xia has extensive experience in project planning, finance

and administrative management.

Ms Ge Ailian, age 54, having graduated from Shanghai Maritime College with a major in

water transport economics. She has held positions as an accountant, Deputy Chief of the

Finance Section, Deputy Manager, and Deputy Chief of the Auditing Division of the Transport

Department of Zhejiang Provincial (Communications Office). In 1990, she was appointed

Chief of the Planning and Finance Division of the Executive Commission. At present, she

serves as Chief of the Supervisory Auditing Division of the Executive Commission. Ms Ge's

area of expertise is financial planning and auditing.

22

Directors, Supervisors and Senior Management

Supervisors (continued)

Mr Jiang Wenyao, age 33, obtained a masters degree in engineering from Zhejiang University

with a major in industrial automation and manufacturing mechanics. In 1991, he became

involved in the Executive Commission in the areas of engineering administration, financial

planning, and advising on technical equipment. In 1996, he was involved in the establishment

of the Company. At present, he is a Deputy Manager of the Company. Mr Jiang is

experienced in project management, equipment purchase and management, advertising

and public relations.

23

Report of the Directors

The Directors herein present their report and the results of the Group for the period from 1

March 1997 (date of the Company’s establishment) to 31 December 1997 (the “Period”).

Group Reorganization

The Company was established as a joint stock limited company in the PRC on 1 March

1997.  On the same date, the Company issued 2,909,260,000 fully paid domestic shares of

Rmb1 each to Provincial Investment Co in consideration of the following:

(i)

acquisition of assets that comprised the exclusive operating rights relating to the

Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway and the Hangzhou Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou

Expressway at a valuation of Rmb208,000,000;

(ii)

51% equity interests in Yuhang Co and Jiaxing Co; and

(iii)

certain assets and liabilities of Provincial Investment Co, which include all the fixed

assets and other long-term assets, together with the current assets and liabilities

relating to the daily operations of the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway and the

Hangzhou Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway together with all bank loans

and other loans as at 30 November 1996.

Further details of the Company's establishment and the reorganization of the Group in

anticipation of its issue of H Shares are set out in the Prospectus and notes 1, 25 and 27 to

24

the financial statements.

Principal Activities

The Group’s principal activities consist of investment in the construction, operation and

management, of high grade roads as well as the development and operation of certain

ancillary services such as automobile servicing and fuel facilities.

Segmented Information

During the Period, the entire turnover and contribution to the operating profit of the Group

was derived from toll income earned from expressway operations in Zhejiang Province, the

PRC.  Accordingly, a further analysis of the turnover and contribution to operating profit by

principal activity and geographical area is not presented.

Results and Dividends

The operating results of the Group for the Period and the state of affairs of the Company

and the Group as at 31 December 1997 are set out in the financial statements on pages 33

to 57.

The Directors recommend the payment of a dividend of Rmb0.016 (approximately

HK$0.015) per share in respect of the Period to shareholders on the register of members at

the close of business on 24 April 1998.  This recommendation has been incorporated in the

financial statements.

Report of the Directors

Summary of Financial Information

The only published Group consolidated profit and loss account and balance sheet are as

set out on pages 33 and 34 of the financial statements.

The following is a summary of the pro forma consolidated results of the Group prepared on

the basis set out in the notes below:

Results

Turnover

Year ended 31 December

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

439,789

273,843

59,105

49,331

40,914

Operating profit before exceptional item

346,871

159,964

41,965

36,351

27,040

Exceptional item

25,355

—

—

—

—

Operating profit before taxation

372,226

159,964

41,965

36,351

27,040

Taxation

(58,639)

(60,296)

(16,378)

(13,915)

(11,025)

Profit before minority interests

313,587

99,668

25,587

22,436

16,015

Minority interests

(17,255)

186

—

—

—

Net profit attributable to shareholders

296,332

99,854

25,587

22,436

16,015

Earnings per share

7.77 cents

3.43 cents

—

—

—

Notes:

1.

The pro forma consolidated results of the Group for the four years ended 31 December 1996 have been
extracted from the Company’s annual report dated 26 July 1997, while those of the year ended 31 December
1997 were prepared based on the profit and loss account as set out on page 33 of the audited financial
statements for the 10 months ended 31 December 1997 and the profit and loss account for the two months
ended 28 February 1997, which were prepared based on the management accounts of the Relevant
Investments of the Old Group as defined in note 1 to the financial statements, after making appropriate
adjustments in all material respects to comply with the accounting principles generally accepted in Hong
Kong.The summary of the consolidated pro forma results of the Group includes the results of the Company
and its subsidiaries as if the current structure of the Group, as outlined in the Group reorganization above and
as set out in note 1 to the financial statements, had been in existence throughout the five years ended 31
December 1997.

2.

The pro forma earnings per share of 1997 is based on the pro forma net profit attributable to shareholders
for the year ended 31 December 1997 of Rmb296,332,000 and 3,812,785,000 shares, being the weighted
average of 2,909,260,000 domestic shares, as if they were issued on 1 January 1997, and the 1,433,854,500
H Shares issued on 15 May 1997. The pro forma earnings per share of 1996 is based on the pro forma net
profit  attributable  to  shareholders  for  the  year  ended  31  December  1996  of  Rmb99,854,000  and
2,909,260,000 domestic shares as if they were issued  on 1 January 1996.

Major Customers and Suppliers

The five largest customers and suppliers contributed to less than 30% of total toll revenue

and purchases, respectively, of the Group during the Period.  Accordingly, a corresponding

analysis of major customers and suppliers is not presented.

25

Report of the Directors

Connected  Transactions

A summary of the significant connected transactions of the Group is set out in note 32 to

the financial statements.  In the opinion of the executive Directors and the non-executive

Directors, these transactions were:

(i)

entered into in the usual and ordinary course of business of the Group;

(ii)

entered into in accordance with the terms of the respective agreements governing

such transactions; and

(iii)

entered into on normal commercial terms and were fair and reasonable so far as the

shareholders of the Company are concerned.

Fixed Assets

Details of the movements in fixed assets of the Company and the Group during the Period

are set out in note 10 to the financial statements.

Capital Commitments

Details of capital commitments of the Company and the Group as at 31 December 1997

are set out in note 28 to the financial statements.

26

Particulars of the Company’s subsidiaries, are set out in note 14 to the financial statements.

Subsidiaries

Capitalization of Interest

During the Period, interest capitalized to construction in progress amounted to approximately

Rmb55,614,000.

Share Capital

Details of movements in the share capital of the Company during the Period, together with

the reasons thereof, are set out in note 25 to the financial statements.

Reserves
Details of movements in the reserves of the Company and the Group during the Period are
set out in note 26 to the financial statements.

Report of the Directors

27

Substantial Shareholders
As at 31 December 1997, the following are interests of 10% or more in the share capital of
the Company which were recorded in the register of interests in shares required to be kept

by the Company pursuant to Section 16 (1) of the Securities (Disclosure of Interest) Ordinance
(“SDI Ordinance”):

Number of shares

Percentage

Provincial Investment Co

2,909,260,000

67%

HKSCC Nominees Limited

1,417,477,500

32.64%

(domestic shares)

(H Shares)

Save as disclosed above, no person had registered an interest in the share capital of the

Company that was required to be recorded under Section 16(1) of the SDI Ordinance.

Purchases, Sales or Redemption of the Company’s Listed Securities

Other than in connection with the Company's initial public offering, neither the Company

nor any of its subsidiaries purchased, redeemed or sold any of the Company’s listed securities

during the Period.

Bank Loans and Other Loans

Particulars of the bank loans and other loans of the Group and the Company are set out in

notes 20 and 21 to the financial statements.

Use of Proceeds of the Issue of H Shares

A total of Rmb3,524 million (approximately HK$3,293 million) was raised by the issue of H

Shares during the Period after the deduction of listing expenses of Rmb155 million

(approximately HK$145 million), which was used for the following purposes:

(1)

approximately Rmb388.5 million was used to repay the Company’s outstanding bank

loans and related interest expenses;

(2)

approximately Rmb637.5 million was injected into the Shangyu-Sanmen Road project.

Details of the Shangyu-Sanmen Road project are set out in note 29 to the financial

statements;

(3)

approximately Rmb160 million was invested in completing the Jiaxing Section of the

Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway;

Report of the Directors

Use of Proceeds of the Issue of H Shares (continued)

(4)

approximately Rmb29.4 million was used to purchase approximately 2.44% of the

registered capital of Jiaxing Co.  (Further details of the transaction are set out in note

32 to the financial statements); and

(5)

the remaining balance was placed as fixed or term deposits or otherwise invested in

short term investments.

Directors

The Directors during the Period were:

Executive Directors

Mr. Geng Xiaoping

Mr. Ying Shudeng

Mr. Fang Yunti

Mr. Xu Yikuang

Mr. Xuan Daoguang

Mr. Zhang Jingzhong

Ms. Zhang Chunming

Independent Non-executive Directors

Dr. Hu Hung Lick, Henry

Mr. Tung Chee Chen

28

All the Directors were appointed on 1 March 1997.  In accordance with the Company’s

articles of association, all Directors continue to be in office.

Directors’ and Supervisors' Service Contracts

Each of the Directors and supervisors of the Company ("Supervisors") has entered into a

service agreement with the Company with effect from the date of the Company's

establishment for an initial term of three years.

Save as disclosed above,  none of the Directors and Supervisors has entered into any service

contract with the Company which is not determinable by the Company within one year

without payment of compensation (other than statutory compensation).

Interests of Directors and Supervisors in contracts

None of the Directors and Supervisors and chief executive of the Company had a beneficial

interest in any material contract to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries, its fellow

subsidiaries or its holding company was a party, at the end of the Period or at any time

during the Period.

Report of the Directors

29

Directors’ and Supervisors' Interests in Shares

As at 31 December 1997, none of the Directors, Supervisors, chief executive of the Company

or their associates had any personal, family, corporate or other interests in any equity or

debt securities of the Company or any associated corporation, as defined in the SDI

Ordinance as recorded in the register required to be kept under section 29 of the SDI

Ordinance or as otherwise notified to the Company and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange

pursuant to the Model Code for Securities Transaction by Directors of Listed Companies.

Directors’ and Supervisors' Rights to Subscribe for Shares or Debentures

At no time during the Period was the Company or any of its subsidiaries, its fellow subsidiaries

or its holding company a party to any arrangement to enable any Directors, Supervisors or

chief executive of the Company to acquire benefits by means of the acquisition of shares

in, or debentures of the Company or any other body corporate. No rights to subscribe for

shares in, or debentures of, the Company have been granted by the Company to, nor have

any such rights been exercised by, any person during the Period and up to the date of this

report.

Directors’ and Supervisors' Remuneration

Fees

Basic salaries, housing, other allowance and benefits in kind

Pension scheme contributions

Bonuses paid and payable

Rmb’000

—

971

—

—

971

None of the Directors and Supervisors received remuneration in excess of HK$1 million.

The amount disclosed above included remuneration of HK$80,000 paid to each of the

independent non-executive Directors. There was no arrangement under which any of the

Directors or Supervisors had waived or agreed to waive any remuneration.

Highest Paid Individuals

The five highest paid individuals of the Company were all Directors.  The aggregate amount

paid to them for the Period was approximately Rmb643,000.  None of them received

remuneration in excess of HK$1 million.

Retirement Scheme

As stipulated by the State regulations of the PRC, the Company participates in a defined

contribution retirement scheme.  All employees are entitled to an annual pension equal to

a fixed proportion of the average basic salary amount within the geographical area of their

last employment at their retirement date.  The Company is required to make contributions

Report of the Directors

Retirement Scheme (continued)

to registered insurance companies at a rate of 23% of the average basic salaries of the

previous year within the geographical area where the employees are under employment

with the Company.  The Company has no obligation for the payment of pension benefits

beyond such annual contributions to the registered insurance companies.

Pre-emptive Rights
There is no provision for pre-emptive rights in the Company’s articles of association or the

laws of the PRC which would oblige the Company to offer new shares on a pro rata basis to

existing shareholders.

Accommodation Benefits for Employees
According to relevant rules and regulations in the PRC, the Group and its employees are

required to contribute to an accommodation fund, being a certain percentage of the salaries

and wages of the employees.  There are no further obligations beyond the contribution to

the accommodation fund.

Disposal of Staff Quarters
The Company does not own any staff quarters and has not disposed of any staff quarters

during the Period.

30

any adverse impact on the Company’s operations.

Recent Economic Developments
The Directors are of the view that the recent economic developments in Asia do not have

Compliance with the Code of  Best Practice
In the opinion of the Directors, the Company has complied with the Code of Best Practice

as set out in Appendix 14 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock

Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("Listing Rules") since the listing of the H Shares on 15

May 1997, except for full board meetings (within the meaning of the Appendix 14 of Listing

Rules) held during the Period due to personal commitments of the non-executive Directors.

Auditors
Ernst & Young will retire, and a resolution for their reappointment, as international auditors

of the Company will be proposed at the forthcoming annual general meeting.

On behalf of the Board

Geng Xiaoping

Chairman and General Manager

Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the PRC

24 March 1998

Report of the Supervisory Committee

Dear Shareholders,

The Supervisory Committee, which comprises three supervisors, was established upon the

incorporation of the Company in accordance with the PRC Company Law and the articles

of association of the Company. The major tasks of the Supervisory Committee are to carry

out the supervisory duties according to law and protect the lawful rights and interests of

the shareholders and the Company. The scope of its task includes :

1.

supervising the Directors, general manager and senior management staff. The

Supervisory Committee supervises the acts of the Directors, general manager and

other senior management staff in business operations and daily affairs mainly by

attending board meetings and participating in major events of the Company; and

2.

examining the operation and financial conditions of the Company.

The Supervisory Committee is of the opinion that the Directors, general manager and other

senior management staff of the Company have implemented all the resolutions passed in

general meetings in good faith, and they have been fully committed to their jobs and

conduct the business according to applicable laws. The Supervisory Committee has not

noticed any act of the Company and members of the board which violates any law, regulation

and provisions of the articles of association.

The Company was not engaged in any major litigation and there were no disputes between

any representative of the Supervisory Committee and any of the Directors and no litigation

has been instituted against any of the Directors.

The Supervisory Committee has examined the financial reports for the year 1997 prepared

by domestic and international accountants which the Directors intend to deliver to the

shareholders. In our opinion, these reports have been prepared in compliance with the

relevant laws, regulations and provisions of the articles of association and give a true and

fair view of the operating results and asset position of the Company.

On behalf of the Supervisory Committee

Xia Linzhang

Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the PRC

24 March 1998

31

Report of the International Auditors

(cid:1) (cid:2)   ! " # $ %

To the shareholders

Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd.

(Established in the People’s Republic of China with limited liability)

We have audited the financial statements on pages 33 to 57 which have been prepared in

accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
The Company’s directors are responsible for the preparation of financial statements which

give a true and fair view.  In preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view it

is fundamental that appropriate accounting policies are selected and applied consistently.

It is our responsibility to form an independent opinion, based on our audit, on those

statements and to report our opinion to you.

Basis of opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Statements of Auditing Standards issued by

the Hong Kong Society of Accountants.  An audit includes an examination, on a test basis,

of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also

includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgments made by the directors in

the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are

appropriate to the Company’s and the Group’s circumstances, consistently applied and

adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations

which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give

reasonable assurance as to whether the financial statements are free from material

misstatement.  In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the

presentation of information in the financial statements.  We believe that our audit provides

a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view, in all material respects, of

the state of affairs of the Company and the Group as at 31 December 1997 and of the profit

and cash flows of the Group for the period from 1 March 1997 (date of the Company’s

establishment) to 31 December 1997 and have been properly prepared in accordance with

the disclosure requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

Ernst & Young

Certified Public Accountants

Hong Kong

24 March 1998

32

Consolidation Profit and Loss Account
Period from 1 March  1997 (date of establishment) to 31 December 1997

Notes

Rmb’000

TURNOVER

OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL ITEM

Exceptional item

OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION

Taxation

PROFIT BEFORE MINORITY INTERESTS

Minority interests

NET PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS

Transferred to reserves

Dividends

RETAINED PROFITS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD

3

4

5

6

7

26

8

376,785

329,044

25,355

354,399

(53,085)

301,314

(15,986)

285,328

(45,253)

(69,490)

170,585

EARNINGS PER SHARE

9

7.15 cents

The notes on pages 37 to 57 form an integral part of these financial statements.

33

Consolidated Balance Sheet
31 December 1997

FIXED ASSETS

CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS

DEFERRED COSTS

OPERATING RIGHTS

LONG TERM INVESTMENTS

CURRENT ASSETS

CURRENT LIABILITIES

NET CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

LONG TERM BANK LOANS

OTHER LONG TERM LOANS

DEFERRED TAXATION

MINORITY INTERESTS

SHARE CAPITAL

RESERVES

Notes

Rmb’000

10

11

12

13

15

16

20

21

24

25

26

5,571,783

1,643,231

3,181

256,378

11,149

7,485,722

3,980,655

900,218

3,080,437

10,566,159

125,000

1,570,335

3,042

667,714

8,200,068

4,343,115

3,856,953

8,200,068

Geng Xiaoping

Director

Ying Shudeng

Director

The notes on pages 37 to 57 form an integral part of these financial statements.

34

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Period from 1 March 1997 (date of  establishment) to 31 December 1997

Notes

Rmb’000

NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

27(a)

423,159

RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND SERVICING OF FINANCE

Interest received

Interest paid

Dividends paid to minority interests

27(b)

Net cash inflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance

19

32

27(b)

TAXATION

Taxes paid

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of fixed assets

Increase in time deposits

Additions to construction in progress

Prepayment for the Shangsan Agreement

Increase in long term investments

Acquisition of additional interest in a subsidiary

Net cash outflow from investing activities

NET CASH OUTFLOW BEFORE FINANCING ACTIVITIES

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Issue of share capital

Share issue expenses

New long term loans

New short term loans

Repayment of loans

Minority interests

Net cash inflow from financing activities

INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the Period

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE PERIOD

ANALYSIS OF BALANCES OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and bank balances

Time deposits

144,761

(105,455)

(6,145)

33,161

(35,746)

(8,390)

(2,049,865)

(624,348)

(637,500)

(4,849)

(29,362)

(3,354,314)

(2,933,740)

3,655,382

(154,893)

486,222

174,679

(621,015)

135,069

3,675,444

741,704

105,042

846,746

840,746

6,000

846,746

The notes on pages 37 to 57 form an integral part of these financial statements.

35

Balance Sheet
31 December 1997

FIXED ASSETS

CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS

OPERATING RIGHTS

INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

CURRENT ASSETS

CURRENT LIABILITIES

NET CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

LONG TERM BANK LOANS

OTHER LONG TERM LOANS

DEFERRED TAXATION

SHARE CAPITAL

RESERVES

Notes

Rmb’000

10

11

12

14

15

16

20

21

24

25

26

5,075,424

10,633

203,378

777,299

6,066,734

3,627,944

530,220

3,097,724

9,164,458

125,000

842,635

3,042

8,193,781

4,343,115

3,850,666

8,193,781

Geng Xiaoping

Director

Ying Shudeng

Director

The notes on pages 37 to 57 form an integral part of these financial statements.

36

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

1.

COMPANY REORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) was established as a joint stock limited company in the People’s

Republic of China (the “PRC”) on 1 March 1997.  The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries

(hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Group”) are the investment in, the construction, operation and

management of high grade roads.  In addition, the Company has the rights to develop and operate certain

ancillary services such as automobile servicing and fuel facilities.

Before the establishment of the Company and the corporate reorganization described below was effected,

Zhejiang Provincial High Class Highway Investment Company Limited (“Provincial Investment Co”), owned the

assets and liabilities of the Company’s investments in the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway, the Hangzhou Section

of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway, a 51% equity interest in Zhejiang Yuhang Expressway Company Limited

(“Yuhang Co”), which owned the Yuhang Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway, and a 51% equity

interest in Zhejiang Jiaxing Expressway Company Limited (“Jiaxing Co”), which owned the Jiaxing Section of

the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Relevant Investments of the

Old Group”).

Provincial Investment Co and its subsidiaries are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Old Group”.

As of the Company’s date of establishment, the Company issued 2,909,260,000 fully paid domestic shares of

Rmb1 each to Provincial Investment Co as consideration for the acquisition of the exclusive operating rights

relating to the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway and the Hangzhou Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway,

together with the following assets and liabilities (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Selected Assets and

Liabilities”):

(1)

certain assets and liabilities of Provincial Investment Co, which included all the fixed assets and other

long term assets, together with the current assets and liabilities relating to the daily operation of the

Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway and the Hangzhou Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway and

all bank loans and other loans as at 30 November 1996;

(2)

a 51% interest in Yuhang Co; and

(3)

a 51% interest in Jiaxing Co.

The Selected Assets and Liabilities together with the operating rights were revalued to Rmb4,475,785,000 by

Zhejiang Assets Evaluation Company and Zhejiang Provincial Land Evaluation & Advisory Centre on 30 November

1996 in accordance with the guidelines set out by the PRC Ministry of Finance.

The Company was listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 15 May 1997, by placing a public

offer of 1,433,854,500 overseas listed foreign shares (“H Shares”) and of which, 187,024,500 H Shares were

issued as a result of the oversubscription of the initial offering.

37

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Statements of Standard Accounting

Practice (“HKSSAP”), accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong and the disclosure requirements

of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. The pro forma consolidated profit and loss account, which is presented

for information purposes only, shows the results of the Group for the two years ended 31 December 1997 as if

the Group structure has been in existence since 1 January 1996.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the audited financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries

for the ten months ended 31 December 1997 ( the “Period”). The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed

of during the Period are consolidated from their effective dates of acquisition or disposal.  All significant inter-

company transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation.

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on consolidation of subsidiaries and on acquisition of associated companies represents the

excess purchase consideration paid for subsidiaries/associates over the fair values ascribed to the net underlying

assets acquired and is eliminated against reserves in the year of acquisition.

Subsidiaries

Interests in subsidiaries are stated at cost unless, in the opinion of the directors, there have been permanent

diminutions in value, when they are written down to values determined by the directors.

Related parties

A related party is a company or a government body in which one or more of the beneficial shareholders of the

Company or its subsidiaries have a beneficial interest therein or are in a position to exercise significant influence.

Fixed assets and depreciation

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.  The cost of an asset comprises its purchase

price, cost transferred from construction in progress and any directly attributable cost of bringing the asset to

its present working condition and location for its intended use.  Expenditures incurred after the tangible fixed

assets have been put into operation, such as repairs and maintenance and overhaul costs, are normally charged

to the profit and loss account in the period in which they are incurred.  In situations where it can be clearly

demonstrated that the expenditure has resulted in an increase in future economic benefits expected to be

obtained from the use of the tangible fixed assets, the expenditure is capitalized as an additional cost of the

tangible fixed assets.

Depreciation of expressways and bridges is provided by using the sinking fund method whereby the aggregate

annual depreciation amounts, compounded at an average rate of 7% per annum, up to the expiry of the

underlying 30 year expressway concession period will equal the total cost of the expressways and bridges.

Amortization of land is provided for on a straight-line basis to write off the valuation of the land use rights over

the underlying 30 year expressway concession period.

38

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Fixed assets and depreciation (continued)

Depreciation of fixed assets other than expressways, bridges and land is provided for on a straight-line basis to

write off the cost of the assets, less their estimated residual values, being 3% of the cost, over their estimated

useful lives. The principal annual rates used for this purpose are as follows:

Toll stations and ancillary facilities

Communication and signalling equipment

Motor vehicles

Machinery and equipment

Construction in progress

Estimated

useful life

30 years

10 years

8 years

5-8 years

Annual

depreciation

rate

3.2%

9.7%

12%

12-19.4%

Construction in progress represents costs incurred in the construction of expressways and bridges. Cost comprises

direct costs of construction as well as interest charges and certain exchange differences related to funds borrowed

during the periods of construction, installation and testing.  No provision for depreciation is made on construction

in progress until such time as the relevant assets are completed and put into use.

Operating rights

Operating rights represent the rights to operate the expressways and are stated at valuation less accumulated

amortization.

Amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the periods of operating rights granted to the Company

and its subsidiaries.

Revenue

Revenue is recognized when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and when the

revenue can be measured reliably, on the following bases:

— toll revenue, net of any applicable revenue taxes, when received; and

— interest, on a time proportion basis.

Taxation

PRC income tax is provided at rates applicable to enterprises in the PRC on income for financial reporting

purposes, adjusted for income and expense items which are not assessable or deductible for income tax purposes,

based on existing PRC income tax legislation, practice and interpretations thereof.

Deferred taxation is provided, using the liability method, on all significant timing differences to the extent it is

probable that the liability will crystallize in the foreseeable future.  A deferred tax asset is not recognized until its

realization is assured beyond reasonable doubt.

39

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Foreign currency transactions

The financial records of the Company and its subsidiaries are maintained and the financial statements are

stated in Renminbi (“Rmb”).

Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the applicable rates of exchange ruling at the transaction dates.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at

the applicable rates of exchange ruling at that date.  Exchange differences are dealt with in the profit and loss

account unless such exchange differences relate to funds borrowed specifically for the financing of construction

of expressways and bridges in which case they are capitalized to the extent that they can be regarded as an

adjustment to interest costs.

Capitalization of borrowing costs

Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the construction of expressways, tunnels and bridges are

capitalized as part of the cost of such assets when it is probable that they will result in future economic benefits

to the Group and the costs can be measured reliably.  Other borrowing costs are recognized as an expense in

the period in which they are incurred.

The amount of borrowing costs capitalized is determined by reference to the actual borrowing costs incurred

on funds borrowed specifically for the construction of expressways, tunnels and bridges during the period less

any investment income arising from the temporary investment of those borrowings.

Capitalization of borrowing costs on funds borrowed specifically for the construction of completed expressway

sections ceases when the construction of such expressway sections is completed and the section completed is

capable of commencing toll operations.

Leased assets

Leases where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of  assets remain with the leasing company are

accounted for as operating leases. Rentals applicable to such operating leases are charged to the profit and

loss account on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.

Investments

Investments held on a long term basis are stated at cost less provisions for any permanent diminutions in values

on an individual investment basis.

Short term investments are stated at the lower of cost and market value.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value.  Cost is determined on the weighted

average basis.  Net realizable value is based on estimated selling prices less any further costs expected to be

incurred to completion and disposal.

Deferred costs

40

of commencement of operations. They are stated at cost less accumulated amortization.

Deferred costs include deferred pre-operating expenses and are amortized over 5 years starting from the date

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

3.

TURNOVER

Turnover represents toll income from operation of expressways, net of relevant revenue taxes.

Toll income

Less: Revenue taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to the following types of revenue taxes:

— Business tax (“BT”), levied at 5% of toll income;

— City Development Tax, levied at 1% - 7% of BT; and

— Education Supplementary Tax, levied at 3.5% - 4% of BT.

4.

OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL ITEM

The Group’s operating profit before exceptional item is arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation charges

Operating lease rentals

   — land and buildings

Interest expense on:

   — bank loans

   — other loans

Less: Amount capitalized in construction in progress and fixed assets

Interest income

Less: Amount capitalized in construction in progress and fixed assets

Interest expense/(income), net

Amortization of deferred costs

Amortization of operating rights

Profit on disposal of short term investments

Directors’ remuneration:

   Fees

   Other emoluments

Auditors’ remuneration

Pension cost

Exchange differences incurred, net

Less: Amount capitalized in construction in progress and fixed assets

Exchange differences, net

Rmb’000

398,468

(21,683)

376,785

Rmb’000

58,549

1,746

29,325

130,184

(69,237)

90,272

(119,406)

13,623

(105,783)

(15,511)

745

4,622

(52,347)

—

951

1,006

988

(2,620)

3,021

401

41

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

5.

EXCEPTIONAL ITEM

The exceptional item represents interest earned on the oversubscription monies of the Company’s H Shares.

6.

TAXATION

No Hong Kong profits tax has been provided as the Group had no taxable profit in Hong Kong during the

Period.

The Group was subject to Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) levied at a rate of 33% of taxable income based on

income for financial reporting purposes prepared in accordance with the laws and regulations in the PRC.

Pursuant to directives numbered 1997 (27) dated 20 February 1997 and 1997(53) dated 11 August 1997 issued

by the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, the Company is entitled to a refund from the Zhejiang Finance

Bureau of an amount equal to 18% of the Company’s taxable income in respect of EIT paid to the Zhejiang

Taxation Bureau with effect from 1 March 1997, being the date of establishment of the Company.  Such a tax

refund is also applicable to Yuhang Co and Jiaxing Co, with effect from 15 May 1997, being the date of listing

of the Company’s shares on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, pursuant to directives numbered 1997

(68) dated 2 April 1997 and 1997(67) dated 2 April 1997, issued by the Yuhang Municipal Government and the

Jiaxing Municipal Government, respectively.  However, there is no assurance that the Company, Yuhang Co

and Jiaxing Co will continue to enjoy such preferential tax treatment in the future.

Taxation charged

Taxation refundable

PRC taxation

Deferred (note 24)

Group

Rmb’000

110,095

(60,052)

50,043

3,042

53,085

7.

NET PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS

Net profit attributable to shareholders dealt with in the financial statements of the Company is

Rmb275,074,000.

8.

DIVIDENDS

Proposed final dividend Rmb0.016 (approximately HK$0.015) per share

9.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Company

Rmb’000

69,490

42

Rmb285,328,000 and the weighted average of 3,986,994,000 shares in issue during the Period.

The calculation of earnings per share is based on the net profit attributable to shareholders for the Period of

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

10.

FIXED ASSETS

Group

Toll

Communi-

stations

Expressways

and

cation

and

Machinery

and

ancillary

signalling

Motor

and

Land

bridges

facilities

equipment

vehicles

equipment

Total

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Cost:

At 1 March 1997

527,628

4,908,585

69,949

Additions

—

40,700

415

2,109

195

12,377

4,642

60,595

5,581,243

3,137

49,089

At 31 December 1997

527,628

4,949,285

70,364

2,304

17,019

63,732

5,630,332

Accumulated depreciation:

At 1 March 1997

—

—

Provided during the Period

6,326

43,406

At 31 December 1997

6,326

43,406

Net book value:

—

1,833

1,833

—

181

181

—

1,500

1,500

—

—

5,303

58,549

5,303

58,549

At 31 December 1997

521,302

4,905,879

68,531

2,123

15,519

58,429

5,571,783

Company

Cost:

Toll Communi-

stations

cation

Expressways

and

and

Machinery

and

ancillary

signalling

Motor

and

Land

bridges

facilities equipment

vehicles equipment

Total

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

At 1 March 1997

350,384

4,592,253

65,269

2,109

11,919

60,440

5,082,374

Additions

—

40,700

287

195

4,642

2,847

48,671

At 31 December 1997

350,384

4,632,953

65,556

2,304

16,561

63,287

5,131,045

Accumulated depreciation:

At 1 March 1997

—

—

—

Provided during the Period

6,326

40,660

1,759

At 31 December 1997

6,326

40,660

1,759

—

181

181

—

—

—

1,500

5,195

55,621

1,500

5,195

55,621

Net book value:

At 31 December 1997

344,058

4,592,293

63,797

2,123

15,061

58,092

5,075,424

All fixed assets are situated in the PRC.

43

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

11. CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS

Movements of construction in progress during the Period are as set out below:

At 1 March 1997

Additions, net

At 31 December 1997

12. OPERATING RIGHTS

Group

Company

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

1,079,270

563,961

1,643,231

—

10,633

10,633

Group

Company

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Cost:

At 1 March and 31 December 1997

261,000

208,000

Amortization:

At 1 March 1997

Provided during the Period

At 31 December 1997

Net book value:

At 31 December 1997

13.

LONG TERM INVESTMENTS

Unlisted investments, at cost

Provision for diminution in value

14.

INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

Unlisted shares, at cost

Due from subsidiaries

44

—

4,622

4,622

—

4,622

4,622

256,378

203,378

Group

Company

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

11,149

—

11,149

—

—

—

Company

Rmb’000

758,943

18,356

777,299

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

14.

INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES (continued)

Particulars of the Company's subsidiaries, all of which are directly held, are as follows:

Percentage of

Issued &

equity

Date and

fully paid

attributable

place of

registered

to the

registration

capital

Company

Principal activities

Name of

subsidiaries

Zhejiang Yuhang

Note 1

75,222,997

51%

Construction and

Expressway

Company Limited

(“Yuhang Co”)

management of the

Yuhang Section of

the Shanghai-

Hangzhou Expressway

Zhejiang Jiaxing

Note 2

1,159,200,000

53.44%

Construction and

Expressway

Company Limited

(“Jiaxing Co”)

management of the

Jiaxing Section of the

Shanghai-Hangzhou

Expressway

Zhejiang Gaotong

Note 3

5,000,000

80%

Processing,

Stone Developing

Company Limited

(“Gaotong”)

designing and selling

of stone and quarry

materials

Note 1.

Yuhang Co was established on 7 June 1994 in the PRC as a joint stock limited company and was subsequently restructured into a
limited liability company under its current name on 28 November 1996.

Note 2.

Jiaxing Co was established on 30 June 1994 in the PRC as a joint stock limited company and was subsequently restructured into a
limited liability company under its current name on 29 November 1996.

Note 3. Gaotong was established on 3 November 1997 in the PRC as a limited liability company.

45

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

15. CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and bank balances

Time deposits

Short term investments

Accounts receivable

Profits tax refundable

Inventories

Prepayments, deposits and other receivables

Due from related parties

16. CURRENT LIABILITIES

Bank loans

Other loans

Accounts payable

Other payables and accrued liabilities

Due to related parties

Due to holding company

Profits tax payable

Other taxes payable

Proposed final dividends

17.

SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS

Investments in government debentures, at cost

Provision for diminution in value

Market value of investments

Group

Company

Notes

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

17

18

19

22

840,746

813,367

2,055,865

2,042,865

21,991

9,629

17,172

400

21,991

9,629

9,496

262

1,025,733

730,334

9,119

—

3,980,655

3,627,944

Group

Company

Notes

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

20

21

22

23

8

284,679

244,022

31,030

166,068

25,338

19,779

42,447

17,365

69,490

279,679

84,702

1,657

50,719

3,722

13,287

17,409

9,555

69,490

900,218

530,220

Group

Company

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

21,991

—

21,991

21,991

21,991

—

21,991

21,991

46

18. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable

Provision for doubtful debts

Accounts receivable, net

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

Group

Company

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

9,629

—

9,629

9,629

—

9,629

19.

PREPAYMENTS, DEPOSITS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Prepayments for the Shangsan Agreement (Note 29)

637,500

637,500

Group

Company

Note

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Prepayment to contractors in relation to

construction of expressways

Others

20.

BANK LOANS

Balances due:

Within one year

In the second year

In the third to fifth years, inclusive

370,888

17,345

79,662

13,172

1,025,733

730,334

Group

Company

Note

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

284,679

105,000

20,000

279,679

105,000

20,000

409,679

404,679

Portion classified as current liabilities

16

(284,679)

(279,679)

Portion classified as long term liabilities

125,000

125,000

Included in the total bank loans of Rmb409,679,000, Rmb120,000,000 is secured by time deposits of

Rmb111,000,000, US$6,000,000 is secured by time deposits of HK$46,497,000 and Rmb5,000,000 is guaranteed

by related parties.  The remaining balance is unsecured.

The bank loans bear interest at rates ranging from 6.6% to 13.14% per annum.

47

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

21. OTHER LOANS

Group

Company

Note

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Balances due:

Within one year

In the second year

In the third to fifth years, inclusive

Thereafter

Portion classified as current liabilities

16

244,022

158,234

307,562

1,104,539

1,814,357

(244,022)

84,702

62,098

139,266

641,271

927,337

(84,702)

Portion classified as long term liabilities

1,570,335

842,635

Other loans are unsecured and bear interest at rates ranging from 3% to 14.5% per annum.

22.

BALANCES WITH RELATED PARTIES

The amounts due from related parties are unsecured, bear interest at 7.2% per annum and are repayable within

1 year.

The amounts due to related parties are unsecured, interest-free and have no fixed terms of repayment.

23. DUE TO HOLDING COMPANY

The amount due to holding company is unsecured, interest-free and has no fixed term of repayment.

24. DEFERRED TAXATION

At 1 March 1997

Charge for the Period (note 6)

At 31 December 1997

Group

Company

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

—

3,042

3,042

—

3,042

3,042

The deferred taxation of the Company and the Group is made in respect of the difference in income recognition

for accounting and taxation purposes of interest income arising from the oversubscription monies of the H

Shares proceeds.

48

25.

SHARE CAPITAL

Registered, issued and fully paid:

Domestic shares of Rmb1.00 each

H Shares of Rmb1.00 each

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

Number

of shares

Rmb’000

2,909,260,000

1,433,854,500

2,909,260

1,433,855

4,343,114,500

4,343,115

The domestic shares are not currently listed on any stock exchange.

The H Shares have been listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since 15 May 1997.

All the domestic shares and H Shares rank pari passu with each other as to dividends and voting rights.

During the Period, the following changes in the Company’s share capital took place:

(a)

On the date of establishment, 1 March 1997, the registered share capital of the Company was

Rmb2,909,260,000 consisting of 2,909,260,000 domestic shares of Rmb1.00 each, all of which were

issued and credited as fully paid in consideration for the acquisition of the Selected Assets and Liabilities

together with the operating rights relating to the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway and the Hangzhou

Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway transferred from Provincial Investment Co at valuation of

Rmb4,475,785,000.

(b)

On 15 May 1997, 1,433,854,500 H Shares of Rmb1.00 each were issued to public investors outside the

PRC at HK$2.38 each, for a total cash consideration of approximately Rmb3,524,000,000 (approximately

HK$3,293,458,000), net of share issue expenses.

49

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

26.

RESERVES

Share

Capital/

Statutory

Public

premium (Goodwill)

surplus

welfare

Retained

account

reserve

reserve

fund

profits

Total

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Group

At 1 March 1997

Arising on issue of H Shares

Share issue expenses

Goodwill arising on acquisition

of further interests in a subsidiary

Net profit for the Period

Transfer from/(to) reserves

Dividends (note 8)

1,578,448

2,221,527

(154,893 )

—

—

—

—

2,850

—

—

(6,817 )

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

— 1,581,298

— 2,221,527

—

(154,893 )

—

(6,817 )

285,328

285,328

30,169

15,084

(45,253 )

—

—

—

(69,490 )

(69,490 )

At 31 December 1997

3,645,082

(3,967 )

30,169

15,084

170,585

3,856,953

Company

At 1 March 1997

Arising on issue of H Shares

Share issue expenses

Net profit for  the Period

Transfer from/(to) reserves

Dividends (note 8)

1,578,448

2,221,527

(154,893 )

—

—

—

At 31 December 1997

3,645,082

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

26,722

13,361

—

—

— 1,578,448

— 2,221,527

—

(154,893 )

275,074

275,074

(40,083 )

(69,490 )

—

(69,490)

26,722

13,361

165,501

3,850,666

In accordance with the Company Law of the PRC and the Company’s articles of association, the Company is

required to allocate 10% of its profit after taxation, as determined in accordance with the PRC accounting

standards and regulations applicable to the Company, to the statutory surplus reserve (the “SSR”) until such

reserve reached 50% of the registered capital of the Company.  Subject to certain restrictions set out in the

Company Law of the PRC and the Company’s articles of association, part of the SSR may be converted to

increase share capital.

In accordance with the Company Law of the PRC, the Company is required to transfer 5% to 10% of its profit

after taxation to its statutory public welfare fund (the “PWF”) which is a non-distributable reserve other than in

the event of the liquidation of the Company.  PWF must be used for capital expenditure on staff welfare

facilities and these facilities remain as property of the Company.

The directors of the Company have proposed to transfer Rmb26,722,000 and Rmb13,361,000 to the SSR and

the PWF, respectively.  This represents 15% of the Company’s profit after taxation of Rmb267,218,000 determined

in accordance with PRC accounting standards.  The transfer to the PWF is subject to shareholders’ approval at

the forthcoming annual general meeting.

50

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

26.

RESERVES (continued)

According to the relevant regulations in the PRC, the amount of profit available for distribution is the lower of

the amount determined under the PRC accounting standards and the amount determined under HKSSAP.

As at 31 December 1997, the Company had reserves of approximately Rmb157,645,000 available for distribution

by way of cash or in kind.

As at 31 December 1997, in accordance with the Company Law of the PRC, the amount of approximately

Rmb3,645,082,000 standing to the credit of the Company’s share premium account was available for distribution

by way of capitalization issues.

27. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(a)

Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities:

Operating profit before taxation and minority interests

Depreciation charges

Decrease in deferred costs

Amortization of operating rights

Interest income

Interest expense

Decrease in prepayments, deposits and other receivables

Increase in due to holding company

Increase in due to related parties, net

Increase in other taxes payable

Decrease in other payables and accrued liabilities

Increase in inventories

Increase in accounts receivable

Increase in short term investments

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Rmb’000

354,399

58,549

5,963

4,622

(131,138)

90,272

66,655

9,840

18,422

13,862

(36,267)

(400)

(9,629)

(21,991)

423,159

51

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

27. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT (continued)

(b)

Analysis of changes in financing during the Period:

At 1 March 1997

Cash inflows from financing

Arising from dilution of

  minority interests

Dividends paid to

  minority interests

Profit attributable to

  minority shareholders

At 31 December 1997

Share capital

(including premium)

Loans

Minority

interests

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

4,487,708

3,500,489

2,184,150

39,886

545,349

135,069

—

—

—

—

—

—

(22,545)

(6,145)

15,986

7,988,197

2,224,036

667,714

52

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

27. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT (continued)

(c)

Major non-cash transaction

As more fully described in note 1 above, the Company received the Selected Assets and Liabilities

together with the exclusive operating rights of the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway and the Hangzhou

Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway thereof from Provincial Investment Co by issuing

2,909,260,000 fully paid domestic shares of Rmb 1.00 each.  Details of the Selected Assets and Liabilities

as at 1 March 1997 are set out below:

Net assets acquired:

Fixed assets

Construction in progress

Long term investments

Deferred costs

Operating rights

Cash and bank balances

Prepayments, deposits and other receivables

Due from related parties

Bank loans

Other loans

Accounts payable

Other payables and accrued liabilities

Other tax payables

Income tax payable

Due to holding company

Minority interests

Capital reserve on consolidation

Satisfied by:

2,909,260,000 domestic shares issued

Rmb’000

5,581,243

1,079,270

6,300

9,145

261,000

105,042

425,713

2,203

(607,224)

(1,576,926)

(71,720)

(153,718)

(3,503)

(10,978)

(9,940)

(545,349)

4,490,558

(2,850)

4,487,708

The net inflow of cash and cash equivalents in respect of the take over of assets and liabilities from

Provincial Investment Co was approximately Rmb 105,042,000.

(d)

The exceptional item had the following attributable cash inflows to the operating activities:

Interest earned on the oversubscription monies of the H Shares offering

Rmb’000

25,355

53

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

28. COMMITMENTS

Contracted, but not provided for

— Construction of expressways

— Proposed investments in the

Jiaxing section of the Shanghai-

Hangzhou Expressway and the

Shangyu-Sanmen Road

Authorized, but not contracted for

— Construction of expressways

— Proposed investment in the

Hangzhou-Nanjing Expressway

29.

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

Group

Rmb’000

586,741

586,500

726,554

900,000

2,799,795

Company

Rmb’000

142,378

960,165

—

900,000

2,002,543

As of 18 December 1997, an agreement in respect of the proposed investment in the Shangyu-Sanmen Road

(the “Shangsan Agreement”) was entered into between Provincial Investment Co, Shangyu Municipal Transport

Bureau, Shengzhou Municipal Transport Bureau, Xinchang County Transport Development Company, Tiantai

County Transport Development Company and Huajian Transportation Economic Development Center, a

subsidiaries of the Ministry of Communications of the PRC, (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Other

Parties”) and the Company to set up a limited liability company,  Zhejiang Shangyu-Sanmen Class 1 Highway

Company Limited (the “Shangsan Co”).  Shangsan Co was established on 1 January 1998.  According to the

Shangsan Agreement, the Company will contribute Rmb1,224 million in cash for a 51% interest in the Shangsan

Co.  Other Parties will contribute a total of Rmb1,176 million for an aggregate of 49% interest in the Shangsan

Co.

Pursuant to the Shangsan Agreement and a supplemental agreement, Shangsan Co will be principally engaged

in the development, operation, management and toll-collection of the Shangyu-Sanmen Road and the

development of other related businesses.

The Shangyu-Sanmen Road is a Class 1 Road which, upon completion, will run from Guzhu Interchange on the

Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway to Wuao Interchange on the Ningbo-Taizhou-Wenzhou Expressway.  The total

length of the Shangyu-Sanmen Road will be approximately 143km.  The construction of the project is divided

into two phases.  Phase 1, consisting of four short sections Shangyu, Shengzhou, Xinchang and Tiantai, has a

total length of 37.5km and has been operational since February 1997.  The construction of the second phase

commenced in February 1998 and will be completed in four years.  Upon completion the Shangyu-Sanmen

Road will connect with the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway and the Ningbo-Taizhou-Wenzhou Expressway.

54

Pursuant to the Shangsan Agreement and a supplemental agreement, the total investment of the Shangyu-

Sanmen Road is budgeted at approximately Rmb4,290 million.

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

30. DIFFERENCE IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PREPARED UNDER PRC AND HONG KONG

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Other than the difference in recognizing the interest income arising from oversubscription monies received on

listing of the Company’s H Shares as described below, there are no material differences between the Company’s

consolidated financial statements for the Period ended 31 December 1997 prepared in accordance with PRC

and Hong Kong accounting standards.

Under the PRC accounting standards, the interest income arising from H Shares oversubscription monies is

treated as deferred income and is amortised on a straight-line basis over 5 years. Under Hong Kong accounting

standards, the entire interest income net of related taxation is accounted for in the current period profit and

loss account.

31. ULTIMATE HOLDING COMPANY

In the opinion of the directors, the ultimate holding company of the Company is Zhejiang Provincial High Class

Highway Investment Company Limited, a state-owned enterprise established in the PRC.

32. CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS

The following is a summary of significant transactions carried out in the ordinary course of business between

the Company, its subsidiaries and certain government bodies in the Period:

Under the reorganization agreement, the Provincial Investment Co gave a number of undertakings to the

Company including a non-competition undertaking, a tax indemnity, an indemnity against losses incurred which

were not expressly transferred to the Company pursuant to the reorganisation and general indemnity provisions

against any breach of representation warranty and undertakings contained in the agreement.

The World Bank provided financing for the construction of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway and the

Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway through the Ministry of Finance and the Zhejiang Provincial Expressway Executive

Commission (the “Executive Commission”) which was responsible for the control of the construction and the

management of the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway and the Zhejiang Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou

Expressway.  The repayment responsibility for the financing provided for the Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway

which amounted to US$112,000,000 as at 31 December 1997 was assumed by the Company.  The loan repayment

responsibility for the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway which amounted to US$58,313,158 as at 31 December

1997 was assumed by Yuhang Co and Jiaxing Co.

Pursuant to a supplemental agreement dated 18 April 1997, the Company, Provincial Investment Co, Jiaxing

Co, Yuhang Co, the Executive Commission, the Yuhang Executive Commission and the Jiaxing Executive

Commission have agreed that the Company will take over the repayment responsibilities under the reorganization

agreement and in respect of the World Bank financing as separately agreed.  Jiaxing Co and Yuhang Co shall

take over the repayment obligations with regard to World Bank financing for their respective sections.  Appropriate

agreements were entered into between the Company and its subsidiaries and the executive commissions,

pursuant to which the Company and its subsidiaries will be charged the same rate of interest as that charged to

the executive commissions.

55

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

32. CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS (continued)

The Zhejiang Provincial Government provided a number of loans for the construction of the Shanghai-Hangzhou

Expressway.  These loans were made available through the Yuhang Executive Commission and the Jiaxing

Executive Commission to Yuhang Co and Jiaxing Co, respectively in the amount of Rmb169 million and Rmb718

million. As at 31 December 1997, each of Yuhang Co and Jiaxing Co has agreed to repay the loans.  All of these

loans are unsecured.  The terms of the loans to the executive commissions are the same as those from the

respective executive commissions to the companies.

A management agreement in relation to the Yuhang Section of the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway

was entered into between the Company and Yuhang Co.  The purpose of this agreement is to enable the

Company to ensure that the Yuhang Section, together with all other sections of the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo

Expressway, are operated and managed in a uniform manner, and to allocate the revenue, expenses and

maintenance obligations of the Yuhang Section on an agreed basis between the Company and Yuhang Co.

The Company purchased an additional 2.44% of the issued capital of Jiaxing Co for  a cash consideration of

Rmb29.4 million from Provincial Investment Co.

A contract between the Company and the Executive Commission was reached whereby the Executive Commission

will enter into a number of contracts relating to Contract No. 8 on behalf of the Company for the purpose of

upgrading the Operating Systems (as defined in the section “Operation of the Expressway” of the prospectus)

of the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway. The Company will take the benefit of these contracts when

entered into and will assume the repayment obligations for any drawdowns on World Bank funding in respect

of Contract No. 8.

56

Notes to Financial Statements
31 December 1997

33.

PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

The following pro forma consolidated profit and loss account, which is presented for information purposes

only, has been prepared on the basis as if the current Group structure had been in existence since 1 January

1996.

Two months

Ten months

ended

ended

Year ended

31 December

28 February 1997 31 December

1997

1996

pro forma

1997

pro forma

pro forma

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Rmb’000

Turnover

63,004

376,785

439,789

273,843

Operating profit before exceptional item

17,827

329,044

346,871

159,964

Exceptional item

—

25,355

25,355

—

Operating profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit before minority interests

Minority interests

17,827

(5,554)

12,273

(1,269)

354,399

372,226

159,964

(53,085)

(58,639)

(60,296)

301,314

313,587

(15,986)

(17,255)

Net profit attributable to shareholders

11,004

285,328

296,332

99,668

186

99,854

Earnings per share

7.77 cents

3.43 cents

The pro forma earnings per share of 1997 is based on the pro forma net profit attributable to shareholders for

the year ended 31 December 1997 of Rmb296,332,000 and 3,812,785,000 shares, being the weighted average

of 2,909,260,000 domestic shares, as if they were issued on 1 January 1997, and the 1,433,854,500 H Shares

issued on 15 May 1997.

The pro forma earnings per share of 1996 is based on the pro forma net profit attributable to shareholders for

the year ended 31 December 1996 of Rmb99,854,000 and 2,909,260,000 domestic shares as if they were

issued on 1 January 1996.

34. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 24 March 1998.

57

Corporate Information

58

Company Secretary

Mr. Zhang Jingzhong

Authorised Representatives

Mr. Geng Xiaoping

Mr. Zhang Jingzhong

Statutory Address

78 Beishan Road

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

PRC

Tel:

86-571-7964605

Fax:

86-571-7963205

E-mail: zjewltd@public.hz.zj.cn

Place of Business in Hong Kong

c/o Ernst & Young

11th Floor, Tower 2

The Gateway

25-27 Canton Road

Kowloon

Hong Kong

H Share Registrar and Transfer Office

HKSCC Registrars Limited

2nd Floor, Vicwood Plaza

199 Des Voeux Road, Central

Hong Kong

Principal Bankers

Bank of China, Hong Kong Branch

China Investment Bank, Zhejiang Branch

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China,

Zhejiang Branch

Construction Bank of China, Zhejiang

Branch

Listing Information

H Shares

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong

Limited

Code: 0576

Executive Directors

Geng Xiaoping

Ying Shudeng

Xu Yikuang

Fang Yunti

Zhang Jingzhong

Zhang Chunming

Xuan Daoguang

Independent Non-executive Directors

Hu Hung Lick, Henry

Tung Chee Chen

Supervisors

Xia Linzhang

Ge Ailian

Jiang Wenyao

Legal Advisers

As to Hong Kong law:

Herbert Smith

23rd Floor, Gloucester Tower

11 Pedder Street, Central

Hong Kong

As to PRC Law:

T & C Law Firm

18/F, Block A

100 Moqianshan Road,

Yaojian International Building,

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

PRC

Auditors and Reporting Accountants

Ernst & Young

Certified Public Accountants

15th Floor

Hutchison House

10 Harcourt Road, Central

Hong Kong

Sponsor

Kleinwort Benson Limited

33rd Floor, Jardine House

1 Connaught Place

Central

Hong Kong

(a joint stock limited company incorporated in the People’s Republic of China with limited liability)

Notice of Annual General Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 1997 Annual General Meeting of Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd. (the

“Company”) will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, 25 May 1998 at  78 Beishan Road, Hangzhou 310007, the

PRC for the conduct of the following business:

A.

As ordinary resolutions:—

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

To consider and approve the report of the Directors for the year 1997;

To consider and approve the report of the Supervisory Committee for the year 1997;

To consider and approve the audited financial statements for the year 1997;

To consider and approve the budget plan for the year 1998;

To consider and approve the proposed distribution of profits for the year 1997;

To consider and approve the re-appointment of Ernst & Young (Hong Kong Certified Public Accountants)

and Zhejiang Certified Public Accountants as the international auditors and the PRC auditors of the

Company respectively and to authorise the Board of Directors to fix their remunerations;

B.

As special resolutions:—

1.

To approve the Company’s allotting, issuing or otherwise dealing with, either separately or concurrently

not more than 20% of each of the existing issued domestic invested shares and overseas listed foreign

invested shares during the Relevant Period (as defined below) and to authorise the Board of Directors to

deal with all necessary matters relating to such allotment and issue.

For the purpose of this resolution, “Relevant Period” means the period from the date upon which this

resolution is passed until whichever is the earliest of:—

(a)

the last day of the twelve-month period from the date this resolution is passed; and

(b)

the revocation or variation of the authority given under this resolution by a special resolution of

the shareholders of the Company in general meeting.

1

2.

Subject to the passing of the resolution set out in  paragraph 1 of this part B, to consider and approve

the following amendments to the Articles of Association of the Company and to authorise the Board of

Directors to file the amended Articles of Association with the relevant approval authority of the PRC:—

Article 18 be replaced in its entirety as follows:—

“ Article 18

As approved by the examination and approval authority authorised by the State Council,

the  Company  has  issued  a  total  of  4,343,114,500  ordinary  shares.    Upon  the

establishment of the Company, 2,909,260,000 domestic invested shares were issued

to the promoter, Zhejiang Provincial High Class Highway Investment Company Limited
((cid:1)(cid:2) !"#$%&'()$*),  representing approximately 67% of the total ordinary
shares issued by the Company.”

Article 19 be replaced in its entirety as follows:—

“Article 19

After the establishment of the Company, 4,343,114,500 ordinary shares were  issued

of which 1,433,854,500 were issued as overseas listed foreign invested shares

representing approximately 33% of the total number of ordinary shares issued by the

Company.  The shareholding structure of the Company comprises 4,343,114,500

ordinary shares of which 2,909,260,000 domestic invested shares are held by the
promoter, Zhejiang Provincial High Class Highway Investment Company Limited ((cid:1)(cid:2)
(cid:1)(cid:2) !"#$%&'"() and 1,433,854,500 overseas listed foreign invested shares
are held by holders of overseas listed foreign invested shares.

If the Company concurrently issues all of the domestic invested shares and overseas

listed foreign invested shares being 20% of each of the existing issued domestic invested

shares and overseas listed foreign invested shares pursuant to Article 89(1), the

shareholding structure of the Company shall comprise 5,211,737,400 ordinary shares

of which 3,491,112,000 shall be issued as domestic invested shares to Zhejiang Provincial
High Class Highway Investment Company Limited ((cid:1)(cid:2) !"#$%&'()$*)
and 1,720,625,400 shares shall be issued as overseas listed foreign invested shares to

holders of overseas listed foreign invested shares.”

By Order of the Board

Zhang Jingzhong

Company Secretary

Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the PRC

24 March 1998

2

Notes:

1.

Eligibility for attending the Annual General Meeting

Holders of H Shares who intend to attend the Annual General Meeting must give all transfer instruments

and the relevant shares certificates to the share registrars for H Shares of the Company, HKSCC Registrars

Limited, at or before 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 24 April 1998.

2.

Registration procedures for attending the Annual General Meeting

(i)

A shareholder or his proxy should produce proof of identity when attending the meeting.  If a

holder of domestic invested share(s) appoints its legal representative to attend the meeting, such

legal representative shall produce proof of identity and a copy of the resolution of the board of

directors or other governing body of such shareholder appointing such legal representative to

attend the meeting.

(ii)

Holders of H Shares and domestic invested shares intending to attend the Annual General Meeting

should return the reply slip for attending the Annual General Meeting to the Company on or

before 5 May 1998.

(iii)

Shareholders may send the above registration documents to the Company in person, by post or

by fax.

3.

Proxy

(i)

A member eligible to attend the Annual General Meeting is entitled to appoint, in written form,

one or more proxies to attend and vote on behalf of him.  A proxy need not be a member.

(ii)

A proxy should be appointed by a written instrument signed by the appointor or its attorney.  If

the form of proxy is signed by the attorney of the appointor, the power of attorney or other

authorisation document(s) of such attorney should be notarised.

(iii)

To be valid, the power of attorney or other authorisation document(s) which have been notarised

together with the completed form of proxy must be delivered, in the case of holders of domestic

invested shares, to the Company and, in the case of holders of H Shares, to HKSCC Registrars

Limited, not less than 24 hours before the time designated for holding of the Annual General

Meeting.

(iv) A proxy may exercise the right to vote by a show of hands or by poll.  However, if more than one

proxy is appointed by a shareholder, such proxies shall only exercise the right to vote on a poll.

4.

Closure of Register of Members

The register of members holding H Shares of the Company will be closed from 25 April 1998 to 25 May

1998 (both days inclusive).

3

5. Miscellaneous

(i)

The Annual General Meeting will not last for more than one day.  Shareholders who attend shall

bear their own travelling and accommodation expenses.

(ii)

Share Registrars for H Shares of the Company, HKSCC Registrars Limited is at:

2/F, Vicwood Plaza

199 Des Voeux Road Central

Hong Kong

(iii)

The registered address of the Company is at:

No. 2 Villa, 78 Beishan Road

Hangzhou 310007,

The PRC

Telephone No.:

(+86)-571-7964605

Facsimile No.:

(+86)-571-7963205

4