is looking to raise at least US$2 billion in its proposed IPO in Hong Kong,Reuters reported Sept. 12, citing Thomson Reuters' IFR.

The companyis expected to list its shares on the Hong Kong stock exchange in the firsthalf of 2017, the IFR reported,citing "people close to the plan." The offering's size is unclear andwill depend on valuation at the time of a sale and number of shares to be sold.

Thecompany has already asked bankers to pitch for a role in the deal.

GuotaiJunan Securities said it had been in contact with several intermediaries, butnoted that it has not yet finalized its plan for a Hong Kong listing.

Thecompany raised US$4.8 billion in its Shanghai listing in 2015.