The following is a chronology of key events related to the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect which was launched on Monday and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect which was launched two years ago.

April 10, 2014 -- The mainland announceed it will launch the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect.

Sept. 26, 2014 -- Shanghai Stock Exchange released rules for the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect.

Nov. 10, 2014 -- China's top securities regulator, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), announced the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect will open on Nov. 17.

Nov. 17, 2014 -- The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect opened.

Dec. 25, 2015 -- CSRC deputy chairman Fang Xinghai said China is likely to launch the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect next year.

March 5, 2016 -- The government work report, delivered by Premier Li Keqiang, at the opening meeting of the national legislature annual session, stated clearly that "the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect will be launched at an appropriate time."

July, 1, 2016 -- CSRC chairman Liu Shiyu said the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect will open this year.

Aug. 16, 2016 -- The State Council announced that it has approved the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect.

Aug. 25, 2016 -- A preparation work meeting for the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect opened in Shenzhen.

Nov. 25, 2016 -- CSRC and Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission issued a joint statement that the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect will open on Dec. 5.

Dec. 5, 2016 -- The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect opened.