HSI up 1.88% at 17,430 points (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Hong Kong , 16 Aug - Hong Kong shares closed sharply higher strong Asian markets.

The Hang Seng index closed up 1.88% at 17,430 points, the biggest gain in more than two weeks, and rose for a second straight week after rising more than 1.5% last week.

In Hong Kong stock market dealings technology stocks rose, with the Hang Seng Tech Index closing up 2.21%, following strong earnings from tech giant JD.com.

Investors also digested pledges of stimulus from the People's Bank of China. The central bank's governor said it will prepare more 'incremental policy measures' to make sure the economy hits its growth target.

The PBOC is set to announce its decision on the benchmark loan prime rate next week after unexpectedly slashing the rate in July to boost growth.

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(RADIOCOR) 16-08-24 12:43:30 (0220) 5 NNNN