Drinks maker China Resources Beverage's shares traded nearly 15% higher in their Hong Kong debut on Wednesday, giving dealmakers hope that more big-ticket initial public offerings could be on the way.

Horizon Robotics, a Chinese autonomous driving company, has raised $696m (5bn yuan) through an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong. This makes it Hong Kong’s largest IPO for the year, according to a report by Reuters.

Trading under the code 2460, CR Beverage jumped 13.8 per cent to change hands at HK$16.50, from its IPO price of HK$14.50.

Chinese autonomous driving firm Horizon Robotics has priced its shares at the top of its range to raise HK$5.4 billion ($696 million) according to a term sheet seen by Reuters, making it the biggest Hong Kong initial public offering this year.

Manulife celebrated the 25th anniversary of its initial public offering (IPO) with a closing gong ceremony at the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), recognising the milestone in its long-standing presence in the Hong Kong financial market.

Baillie Gifford & Co. and Norges Bank Investment Management were among the investors in Horizon Robotics’ $696 million Hong Kong initial public offering, according to people familiar with the matter.

Hong Kong has recorded its busiest week for new IPO launches in almost two years with deals opened to raise up to $1.3 billion, giving bankers and investors confidence the two-year share sale freeze could be easing.

Horizon Robotics, a Chinese provider of software and hardware used in autonomous driving systems, priced its Hong Kong initial public offering at the top of the range to raise HK$5.4 billion ($696 million),