Nasdaq is to recruit a new chief representative for its China business to help more Chinese companies beyond the technology sector list shares on the US exchange.

　　"We are aware the perception in China is the Nasdaq is purely a market for technology companies, something we are working actively to change," Nasdaq's senior managing director of Asia Pacific Stuart Patterson said yesterday.

　　Pharmaceutical and auto part manufacturing businesses are among the candidates seeking a spot on the Nasdaq. On that exchange, technology firms make up 30 percent of listings.

　　Nasdaq has yet to find a successor to former first chief China representative Harry Huang, who quit in May.

　　"This is a key position to building a successful strategy for China and Chinese companies and we will take an appropriate time to meet as many candidates as possible," he said.

　　China Securities Co analyst Lv Liang said Nasdaq will face stiff competition from rivals such as the New York Stock Exchange.

　　Chinese companies are expected to raise US$16 billion from overseas share sales this year.

　　Patterson said five mainland companies will list on the Nasdaq, joining another 11.

　　编辑：趴趴