Nasdaq says would consider a Shanghai listing

BEIJING, May 23 (Reuters) - Nasdaq OMX Group Inc (NDAQ.O) may want to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange if China changes its rules to allow listings by foreign firms, an official from the U.S.-based bourse said on Friday.

China has promised to consider opening its domestic stock exchanges to flotations by foreign companies. Chinese press previously reported that the New York Stock Exchange was a front-runner to win the first such listing.

Xu Guangxun, Nasdaq's chief representative in Beijing, said his exchange would seriously consider such a move.

"It's a big possibility," he told Reuters. "If the opportunity arises, why wouldn't we come to China?"

Xu said a Shanghai listing would benefit both Nasdaq and Chinese investors.

"Nasdaq would acquire stronger brand recognition in China, and Chinese investors would get access to a good stock," he said.

A Shanghai Stock Exchange official said Nasdaq OMX and NYSE Euronext NYS.N had registered their interest.

"Both New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq have expressed their interest in listing in Shanghai," Fu Xiaoxue, a business development manager at the Shanghai exchange, said at a Beijing forum for high-tech companies.

Although China has said it intends to open domestic market to foreign listings, the urgency to do so has faded with share prices down nearly 50 percent since last year's peak.

"I hope there can be a breakthrough with respect to policy as soon as possible," Xu said.

The world's major bourses, including New York, Nasdaq, London and Singapore, have established offices in China in the past few years, with the aim of attracting more flotations by Chinese firms. (Reporting by Michael Wei; Editing by Lincoln Feast)