The National Development and Reform Commission has given the go-ahead for the 10-billion yuan ($1.36 billion) Guangdong Nuclear Power and New Energy Industrial Investment Fund, a private equity (PE) fund.

Three companies, China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group (CGNPG), Ping An Trust Co and China Cinda Asset Management Corp, will form a management company called Guangdong Nuclear Power and New Energy Industrial Investment Fund Management Company.

It is the first time a trust and asset management company have joined the management of a yuan-denominated PE fund, approved by the country's top economic planner.

The fund is expected to provide financial support for firms and businesses in the nuclear power and new energy industries nationwide.

China Development Bank, the country's top policy bank, and China Life Insurance Co, the nation's largest insurer, are expected to be among its sponsors.

The only candidates for yuan-denominated PE funds are State-owned financial firms including banks, insurers and brokerage firms, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

Experts said problems including a rigid registration and approval system for PE funds and fund managers' lack of experience have hampered the development of PE sector in the country.

Established in September 1994 with registered capital of 10.2 billion yuan, CGNPG is a State-owned nuclear power enterprise under the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

CGNPG comprises of a core company, China Guangdong Nuclear Power Holding Co, and over 20 subsidiaries and owns Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station and Ling'ao Nuclear Power Station.

Established in 1996, Ping An Trust Co is one of the subsidiaries of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China.

It increased its capital base with registered capital rising to 2.7 billion yuan in October 2003, making it the one of the biggest trust companies in the country.

China Cinda Asset Management Corporation was established in April 1999. With registered capital of 10 billion yuan, the corporation is the country's first financial assets management company.

(China Daily December 14, 2007)