The Hong Kong stock exchange has announced that it will extend its trading hours by one hour.

Until now, the Hong Kong exchange has had one of the shortest trading hours in the world.

However, board members have agreed to extend the afternoon session from 1400 Hong Kong time (0600 GMT) to 1630 (0830 GMT).

Previously, Hong Kong brokers could enjoy a longer lunch break - not returning to the trading floor before 1430, with business winding up at 1600.

Trading hours for derivative trades will also be extended by an hour, running from 1400 to 1645 (0845 GMT) Hong Kong time.

The morning session will remain unchanged, running from 1000 to 1230 Hong Kong time, with the pre-market opening session continuing to start at 0930.

A spokesperson for Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing said the new trading hours could be implemented by the end of the year, depending on "market readiness" for the changes.