3SBio Inc. — M&A Activity 2000

Dec 7, 2000

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited takes no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, makes no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement.

The HKCB Bank Holding Company Limited

(Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)

ANNOUNCEMENT

The information contained in certain articles in today's newspapers regarding the sale by Lippo China Resources Limited of its interest in the Company, the acquisition by China Resources Enterprise, Limited of shares in the Company and the takeover proposal is inaccurate.

The board of directors (the "Board") of The HKCB Bank Holding Company Limited (the "Company") have noted certain articles appearing in newspapers today reporting on market rumors regarding a possible disposal of an interest in the Company by its major shareholders and that the Company had received a takeover proposal from a third party. The Board is not aware of the source of the information on which the articles are based, and the information regarding the sale by Lippo China Resources Limited of its interest in the Company, the acquisition by China Resources Enterprise, Limited of shares in the Company and the takeover proposal is inaccurate.

From time to time, the Company is approached by other financial institutions who wish to explore the possibilities for merger and acquisition opportunities with the Company. However, no negotiations have taken place as a result of such approaches. In addition, the Board is aware of general moves within the banking industry to consolidate the number of institutions and in this regard, the Board, as part of a regular and ongoing business review, from time to time explores opportunities which it believes will be beneficial to the Company's long term business objectives, such opportunities also include mergers and acquisitions.

The Board also confirms that save as mentioned above there are no negotiations or agreements relating to intended acquisitions or realisations which are discloseable under paragraph 3 of the Listing Agreement. The Board is not currently aware of any matter discloseable under the general obligation imposed by paragraph 2 of the Listing Agreement, which is or may be of a price-sensitive nature.

Made by the order of the Board of the Company, the directors of which individually and jointly accept responsibility for the accuracy of this statement.

By Order of the Board

The HKCB Bank Holding Company Limited

Andrew Hau

Secretary

Hong Kong, 6th December, 2000

"Please also refer to the published version of this announcement in the Hong Kong i-mail"