The London Stock Exchange (LSE) officially opened its Beijing representative office today.

Clara Furse, chief executive of the exchange, told a media briefing that the LSE will provide an excellent financing platform for China's small- and mid-sized firms.

Currently there are 68 Chinese companies listed in London, including 6 on the main board and 62 on the AIM market, she said.

The NYSE, Nasdaq, Tokyo Stock Exchange, Singapore Exchange and Korea Exchange have earlier been approved to open Beijing representative offices.