TMTPOST -- The Shanghai Gold Exchange has made its first move beyond Chinese mainland, unveiling a new offshore bullion vault in Hong Kong alongside the launch of two yuan-denominated gold contracts. The expansion aims to extend the exchange’s international influence, bolster China’s role in global commodity and currency markets, and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a key financial hub. Trading for the new contracts—covering different gold purity levels—will begin Thursday, with settlement options in either cash or physical delivery, including through the newly established vault operated by Bank of China’s Hong Kong unit. To encourage participation, the exchange will waive vault storage fees through the end of the year, according to an official statement.