SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by Registrant [X]
Filed by Party other than the Registrant
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential for Use of the Commission Only as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11c or Rule 14a-12
Jardine Fleming China Region Fund, Inc.
---------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
-----------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:____________
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: _______________
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 0-11. (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is
calculated and state how it was determined):________________________________
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:____________________________
(5) Total fee paid:_____________________________________________________________
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:_____________________________________________________
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:_______________________________
(3) Filing Party:_______________________________________________________________
(4) Date Filed:_________________________________________________________________
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JARDINE FLEMING CHINA REGION FUND, INC.
400 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, Delaware 19809
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 8, 2003
To the Stockholders:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting")
of Jardine Fleming China Region Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") will be held at One
Liberty Plaza, 39th Floor Conference Center, New York, New York 10006, on
Thursday, May 8, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. for the following purposes:
(1) to elect two directors of the Fund, to hold office for the term
indicated and until their successors shall have been elected and
qualified;
(2) to consider and act upon a prosposal to liquidate and dissolve the
Fund, as set forth in the Plan of Liquidation and Dissolution adopted
by the Fund's Board of Directors; and
(3) to consider and act upon such other business as may properly come
before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Friday, February 28, 2003 was fixed by the Board of Directors as the record date
for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lisa M. King
Assistant Secretary
Wilmington, Delaware
April 2, 2003
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Whether or not you plan to attend the Fund's Annual Meeting, please execute and
return the enclosed proxy promptly in the postage-paid envelope provided.
JFCRM-PS-03
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JARDINE FLEMING CHINA REGION FUND, INC.
400 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, Delaware 19809
PROXY STATEMENT
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the
Board of Directors of Jardine Fleming China Region Fund, Inc. (the "FUND") of
proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "MEETING") of the
Fund to be held at One Liberty Plaza, 39th Floor Conference Center, New York,
New York 10006, on Thursday, May 8, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., and at any adjournments
thereof, for the following purposes:
(1) to elect two directors of the Fund, to hold office for the term indicated
and until their successors shall have been elected and qualified;
(2) to consider and act upon a proposal to liquidate and dissolve the Fund, as
set forth in the Plan of Liquidation and Dissolution adopted by the Fund's
Board of Directors; and
(3) to consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before
the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
The enclosed proxy and this Proxy Statement are first being sent to the Fund's
stockholders on or about April 10, 2003.
The cost of soliciting proxies and preparing the proxy materials will be borne
by the Fund. The Fund will request securities brokers, custodians, nominees, and
fiduciaries to forward solicitation material to the beneficial owners of stock
held of record and will reimburse them for their reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses in forwarding such solicitation material. In addition, proxies may be
solicited personally or by telephone or telegram by directors, officers, and
employees of the Fund without additional compensation to them.
The Board of Directors has selected Lisa M. King and JoAnne Bennick, and each of
them, to act as proxies with full power of substitution. All properly executed
proxies received prior to the Meeting will be voted at the Meeting in accordance
with the instructions marked thereon or otherwise as provided therein. Unless
instructions to the contrary are marked, shares represented by the proxies will
be voted "FOR" each proposal. Any proxy may be revoked at any time prior to the
exercise thereof by submitting another proxy bearing a later date or by giving
written notice to the Secretary of the Fund at the Wilmington, Delaware address
indicated above or by voting in person at the Meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on February 28, 2003, as
the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and
to vote at, the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. At that date, there were
outstanding and entitled to vote 4,585,160 shares of Common Stock, par value
$0.01 per share. Stockholders of the Fund on that date will be entitled to one
vote on each matter to be voted for each share held (and one such vote for each
director to be elected), with no shares having cumulative voting rights.
Abstentions and "broker non-votes" (as defined below) are counted for purposes
of determining whether a quorum is present for purposes of convening the
meeting. "Broker non-votes" are shares held by a broker or nominee for which an
executed proxy is received by the Fund but are not voted as to one or more
proposals because instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners
or persons entitled to vote, and the broker or nominee does not have
discretionary voting power. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted
as "votes cast" on any proposal, and, abstentions and broker non-votes will have
no effect on the result of the votes related to Proposal 1, but will have the
effect of a vote "AGAINST" Proposal 2.
The principal executive offices of the Fund are located at 400 Bellevue Parkway,
Wilmington, Delaware 19809, USA.
THE FUND WILL FURNISH, WITHOUT CHARGE, COPIES OF THE ANNUAL REPORT TO
STOCKHOLDERS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, UPON REQUEST. REQUESTS
FOR COPIES OF SUCH REPORT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:
EquiServe Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 8200
Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8200
800-426-5523
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
Although the Fund does not have information concerning the beneficial ownership
of shares held in the names of Depository Trust Company Participants, as of
February 28, 2003*, to the knowledge of the Fund, the following were the record
owners or beneficial owners of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
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TITLE OF CLASS NAME AND ADDRESS OF RECORD OWNER NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT OF CLASS
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Common Stock Cede & Co. FAST 4,494,507 98.02%
The Depository Trust Company (record)
55 Water Street, 25th Floor
New York, NY 10041-0001
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Common Stock Millenco, L.P.** 353,817 7.72%
666 Fifth Avenue, 8th Floor (beneficial)
New York, NY 10103
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* As of such date, the Directors and officers as a group owned less than 1% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund.
** Information as to beneficial ownership of Millenco, L.P. is based on a report
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on November 12,
2002.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
There are four members on the current Board of Directors. Two of the current
members of the Board of Directors, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cromer and Mr.
Alexander Reid Hamilton (each a "Nominee" and collectively the "Nominees") have
been nominated to serve for terms as indicated below and until their successors
are elected and qualified.
The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cromer and Mr. Alexander Reid Hamilton were last
elected by the stockholders at the 2000 Annual Meeting on May 11, 2000 to serve
as Class I directors for a term of three years. In accordance with the terms of
that election, their terms expire at the 2003 Annual Meeting. The Rt. Hon. The
Earl of Cromer and Mr. Alexander Reid Hamilton have
2
each been nominated to serve as a Class I director for a three-year term and
until his successor shall have been elected and qualified.
It is intended that all proxies received, unless otherwise indicated, will be
voted "FOR" the election of the Nominees. The affirmative vote of a plurality of
the shares present at the Meeting (at which a quorum is present) is required to
elect the Nominees. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" EACH
NOMINEE.
The Board knows of no reason why the Nominees listed will be unable to serve. If
a Nominee should become unable to serve, the proxies will be voted for the
election of such person as may be designated by the Board to replace such
Nominee.
Mr. A. Douglas Eu has been the Chief Operations Officer and the Secretary of JF
International Management, Inc. (the "INVESTMENT ADVISER") since 1992 and was
appointed as Director of the Investment Adviser effective September 25, 2002. He
is considered an "interested person" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), because of his
employment with the Investment Adviser.
The following table presents information concerning the Nominees, the current
Board of Directors and Officers of the Fund. The information includes their
positions and principal occupations during the last five years.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF
TERM OF FUNDS IN
OFFICE AND FUND
POSITION(S) LENGTH OF COMPLEX
HELD WITH TIME SERVED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN BY OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
NAME, ADDRESS AND DOB FUND (1) (1) DURING PAST 5 YEARS DIRECTOR* HELD BY DIRECTOR
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INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
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The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cromer Chairman Since 1994 Chairman of the Board 1 Chairman of Lloyd
6, Sloane Terrace Mansions, and of the Fund; Chief George-Standard
London, SW1X 9DG Director, Executive Officer of Chartered China Fund
United Kingdom Class I Cromer Associates Limited, Philippine
DOB: 6/3/46 Limited (family Discovery Investment
business). Company Limited and
Somerset Business
Link, Ltd.
(consulting);
Director of Schroder
Asia Pacific Fund
Limited, and
Cambridge Asia Fund
Limited.
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3
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NUMBER OF
TERM OF FUNDS IN
OFFICE AND FUND
POSITION(S) LENGTH OF COMPLEX
HELD WITH TIME SERVED PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN BY OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
NAME, ADDRESS AND DOB FUND (1) (1) DURING PAST 5 YEARS DIRECTOR* HELD BY DIRECTOR
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexander Reid Hamilton Director, Since 1994 Retired. 1 Director of The Swank
P.O. Box 12343 Class I Shop Ltd. (clothing
General Post Office retail), Citic
Hong Kong Pacific Ltd.
DOB: 10/4/41 (infrastructure),
Cosco Pacific Ltd.
(container shipping),
Esprit Holdings Ltd.
(clothing retail),
DBS Kwong on Bank
Ltd. (banking), IMI
Global Holdings Ltd.
(manufacturing),
Cosco International
Holdings Ltd.
(infrastructure), Man
Sang International
Ltd. (pearl
products), Vita Green
Health Products Co.
Ltd. (health
products), Loyalty
Pacific (Hong Kong)
Ltd. (Loyalty
Programme), The Swank
Shop (overseas) Ltd.
(clothing retail),
Octopus Cards Ltd.
(financial services),
Upmarket Enterprises
Ltd. (clothing
retail), Shangri-La
Asia Ltd. (hotels)
and Transpac Capital
Pte Ltd. (investment).
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Julian M. I. Reid Director, Since 1998 Chief Executive 2 N/A
10 Frere Felix de Valois Street Class III Officer of 3a Asset
Port Louis, Mauritius Management Limited;
DOB: 8/7/44 Chairman of Jardine
Fleming India Fund,
Inc.
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INTERESTED DIRECTOR
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A. Douglas Eu Director, Since 1997 Director, Chief 2 N/A
21st Floor, Chater House Class II, Operations Officer and
8 Connaught Road Central President Secretary of the
Hong Kong and Investment Adviser;
DOB: 8/27/61 Treasurer Chief Executive
Officer of JF Funds;
Director of JF Capital
Partners Holdings
Limited, Ayudhya JF
Asset Management Ltd.
and JF Asset
Management Ltd.
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OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS
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Lauren Pan Secretary Since 2001 Vice President of JF N/A N/A
21st Floor, Chater House Asset Management Ltd.
8 Connaught Road Central since July 2000.
Hong Kong Prior to that, Manager
DOB: 12/20/66 of JF Asset Management
Ltd.
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Lisa M. King Assistant Since 2003 Vice President, PFPC, N/A N/A
400 Belluevue Parkway Secretary Inc. since June 2000.
Wilmington, DE 19809 Prior to that, Assoc.,
DOB: 01/27/68 law firm of Stradley
Ronan LLP
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* The funds in the fund complex are: Jardine Fleming China Region Fund, Inc.
and Jardine Fleming India Fund, Inc.
(1) Class I directors have been nominated for three-year terms that expire at
the 2006 Annual Meeting. Class II directors will serve until the 2004
Annual Meeting. Class III directors will serve until the 2005 Annual
Meeting.
4
The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities in the Fund
beneficially owned by each Director and Nominee and in all registered investment
companies overseen by the Director within the Fund's family of investment
companies as of March 1, 2003:
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AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY
SECURITIES IN ALL REGISTERED INVESTMENT
COMPANIES OVERSEEN BY
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY DIRECTOR WITHIN THE FAMILY
NAME OF DIRECTOR SECURITIES IN THE FUND (1) OF INVESTMENT COMPANIES(1)(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS
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A. Douglas Eu None None
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INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS(3)
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The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cromer $10,001 - $50,000 $10,001 - $50,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexander Reid Hamilton $1-$10,000 $1-$10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Julian M.I. Reid $1-$10,000 $10,001-$50,000
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(1) Valuation as of March 1, 2003.
(2) The family of investment companies includes: Jardine Fleming China Region
Fund, Inc. and Jardine Fleming India Fund, Inc.
(3) "Independent Directors" are defined as those directors who are not
"interested persons" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940
Act.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, the Board of Directors held a
total of six meetings. The Board has an Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met
twice during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. At present, the Audit
Committee members are Messrs. Hamilton and Reid, and The Rt. Hon. The Earl of
Cromer. The Audit Committee meets with the Fund's independent accountants to
review whether satisfactory accounting procedures are being followed by the Fund
and whether internal accounting controls are adequate to inform itself with
regard to non-audit services performed by the independent accountants and to
review fees charged by the independent accountants. The Audit Committee also
recommends to the Board of Directors the selection of independent accountants.
All of the directors attended all the Board and Committee meetings (including
committees other than the Audit Committee) for which they were eligible to
attend. The Board also has a Management Engagement Committee which is comprised
of all of the Independent Directors. The Management Engagement Committee
evaluates the investment performance of the Fund's portfolio and considers the
renewal of the Fund's investment management contract, generally for an
additional one-year period. The Management Engagement Committee met twice during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
A Director or officer of the Fund who is also an officer or employee of the
Investment Adviser receives no remuneration from the Fund. The Directors of the
Fund do not receive any pension or retirement benefits from the Fund or the
Investment Adviser.
The table below sets forth the compensation paid by the Fund to its Directors
who received such compensation for the year ended December 31, 2002:
-------------------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------- ----------------------------
PENSION OR
RETIREMENT ESTIMATED
BENEFITS ANNUAL
AGGREGATE ACCRUED AS BENEFITS TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM
COMPENSATION PART OF FUND UPON FUND AND FUND COMPLEX PAID
NAME OF PERSON, POSITION FROM FUND EXPENSES RETIREMENT TO DIRECTORS*
-------------------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------- ----------------------------
The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cromer, $23,750 None None $23,750
Chairman and Director
-------------------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------- ----------------------------
Alexander Reid Hamilton, Director $19,750 None None $19,750
-------------------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------- ----------------------------
Julian M.I. Reid, Director $19,000 None None $30,875
-------------------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------- ----------------------------
Total $62,500 None None $74,375
-------------------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------- ----------------------------
* The Fund Complex includes Jardine Fleming China Region Fund, Inc. and
Jardine Fleming India Fund, Inc.
The Directors' compensation from the Fund is comprised solely of Directors' and
attendance fees. Each Director is paid an annual fee of $13,750 and the Chairman
is paid an annual fee of $17,750, plus $750 per meeting attended. Mr. Eu does
not receive such fees because of his affiliation with the Investment Adviser.
5
None of the executive officers of the Fund received any compensation from the
Fund for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, INCLUDING ALL THE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS, UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" EACH NOMINEE AS DIRECTOR.
6
PROPOSAL 2
PROPOSAL TO LIQUIDATE AND DISSOLVE THE FUND
BACKGROUND
Shares of closed-end equity funds frequently trade in the marketplace at a
discount to their net asset value (the "DISCOUNT"). This has usually been true
in the case of the Fund, as well as for the shares of many other closed-end
regional and single-country equity funds. Thus, the market price for the Fund's
shares generally has been less, and at many times substantially less, than the
underlying value (calculated according to the market price or, for certain
securities, at the price determined by the Board) of the Fund's portfolio. For
example, for 2002 the average discount from net asset value of the Fund's shares
was approximately 16.2%, while in 2001 the average discount was 18.9%. These
discounts do not always prevail, however, and at times the Fund's shares have
traded at a premium to their net asset value.
The Board over the years has frequently and regularly discussed the
significance of the existence of the discount and its effect on stockholders.
The Board has discussed and considered various alternative strategies to address
the discount, including making share repurchases, conducting tender offers for
outstanding shares, instituting a managed dividend, converting to an interval
fund, combining with other funds, converting to an open-end fund, and
liquidating the Fund's assets. The Board had previously consistently concluded
that it was in the best interests of the Fund and its stockholders to maintain
the current closed-end format, because, in the view of the Board, the closed-end
format was the best structure for a fund investing in the China Region markets
with the Fund's investment strategies. In connection with those past
considerations, it was the view of the Board that attractive equity investment
opportunities could be found in the China Region in the small- and
mid-capitalization and less liquid sectors of the relevant equity markets. An
open-end structure could disrupt this portfolio strategy by forcing the sale of
securities in a relatively illiquid market at times when it could hurt the Fund
and its stockholders. Also, after considerable discussion and research, the
Board subsequently concluded that, even if it chose not to invest in less liquid
securities, conversion to an open-end structure was impractical for a number of
reasons, including the relatively small size of the Fund and the lack of
continuous share distribution opportunities available to it.
In an attempt to address the discount and enhance stockholder value, in
2000 the Board approved a tender offer for 30% of the Fund's outstanding shares
at 95% of the Fund's net asset value per share. In 2001, the Board announced a
new policy, pursuant to which the Fund would conduct up to one tender offer per
year for at least 10% of the Fund's outstanding shares if the Fund's average
discount exceeded 20% during any 13-week period during a calendar year. Pursuant
to this policy, in 2001, the Fund conducted a tender offer for up to 20% of the
Fund's outstanding shares at a price of 95% of net asset value per share. Both
the 2000 and the 2001 tender offer were oversubscribed and tendering
stockholders had a pro rata share of the tendered stock accepted by the Fund.
The Fund acquired 2,576,692 shares at $8.7224 per share in the 2000 tender offer
and acquired 1,172,856 shares at $8.2697 per share in the 2001 tender offer.
In another attempt to address the discount and enhance stockholder value,
beginning in 2000, the Board approved the first of several share repurchase
programs (the "Share Repurchase Programs") authorizing the Fund to repurchase
the Fund's common stock in the open market. On May 10, 2000 the Board authorized
the Fund to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding common stock and the Fund
repurchased 7.26% (based on the number of shares outstanding as of the date such
repurchases were authorized by the Board), or 660,400 shares, pursuant to this
authority. On July 23, 2001 the Board authorized the Fund to purchase an
additional 10% of the Fund's outstanding common stock and 1.79% (based on the
number of shares outstanding as of the date such repurchases were authorized by
the Board), or 83,807 shares, were repurchased pursuant to this authority. And
on July 23, 2002 the Board authorized the Fund to repurchase 10% of the Fund's
common stock and through the date of this proxy statement 22,457 shares,
representing 0.49% (based on the number of shares outstanding as of the date
such repurchases were authorized by the Board) of the Fund's outstanding shares,
had been repurchased. The Board has suspended share repurchases pending the
consideration of a possible liquidation of the Fund.
Despite the tender offers and the Share Repurchase Programs, the Fund's
average discount rate continued to remain high during 2001. And although the
situation improved somewhat in 2002, the discount remained higher than the Board
considered acceptable. As a result of the continuing unacceptable discount
level, beginning mid-2002 the Board undertook a further review of the Fund's
alternatives for addressing the discount, including converting the Fund into an
open-end mutual fund, merging the Fund with another fund, converting to an
interval fund, or liquidating the Fund. Based on that review, the Board
determined that none of these options offered a better future for the Fund and
stockholders than liquidation.
The Fund has significant accumulated losses. If the Fund were to continue
in its current form, those losses would be available to shelter future gains
from U.S. taxation, and certain shareholders might benefit from a tax-deferred
return. The
7
losses will cease to be available, and will produce no benefits, if the Fund is
liquidated. In considering the possible advantages and disadvantages of a
liquidation of the Fund, the Board has taken account of the loss of this
potential benefit.
In light of the foregoing considerations and other relevant factors, on
February 12, 2003 the Board unanimously adopted a resolution that declares that
dissolution of the Fund is advisable and, subject to the approval of the Plan of
Liquidation and Dissolution (the "Plan") by stockholders, authorized the orderly
liquidation and dissolution of the Fund. The Board, including all of the
Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as that term is defined
under the 1940 Act), also adopted the Plan and directed that the Plan be
submitted for consideration by the Fund's stockholders. A copy of the Plan is
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
If (a) the Plan is approved by the requisite stockholder vote and (b) the
Fund's Board determines, in its sole discretion, that the Fund has sufficient
liquid assets to meet its existing and anticipated liabilities, the Fund's
assets will be liquidated in accordance with law and on such terms and
conditions as are determined to be reasonable and in the best interests of the
Fund and its stockholders in light of the circumstances in which they are sold,
and the Fund will file Articles of Dissolution with the State of Maryland.
Stockholders will receive their proportionate cash interest of the net
distributable assets, if any, of the Fund upon liquidation.
Under Maryland law, pursuant to which the Fund is incorporated, and
pursuant to the Fund's Amended Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws, the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares
of the Fund entitled to vote thereon is needed to approve the dissolution and
liquidation of the Fund. For purposes of the vote on the Plan, abstentions and
broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the Plan, but will
be counted in determining the presence of a quorum. In the event that a majority
of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Fund are not voted in favor of
the Plan, the Fund will continue to exist as a registered investment company in
accordance with its stated investment objective and policies. If Proposal 2 is
not approved, the Board intends to consider what, if any, steps to take in the
best interests of the Fund and its stockholders. In the event that a quorum is
not present, or if the Board determines that Proposal 2 may not be approved
because of a large number of broker non-votes, the Meeting may be adjourned, to
be reconvened to consider the Plan, possibly after additional solicitations of
proxies.
Notwithstanding the approval of Proposal 2 by a majority of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Fund, under relevant law, the Board,
in its sole discretion, must determine that the Fund has sufficient liquid
assets to meet its existing and anticipated liabilities prior to the liquidation
of the Fund's assets. While it is expected that the Fund will be able to
identify all of its liabilities shortly after the Fund's stockholders approve
Proposal 2, should any unanticipated liabilities arise, the Fund is currently
unable to estimate with precision the costs of resolving such liabilities and
exactly when such liabilities would be resolved. Consequently, the amounts set
forth under "Distribution Amounts" are for illustrative purposes only. If any
such liabilities should arise, the Fund will not liquidate until the Board
determines, in its sole discretion, that the Fund has sufficient liquid assets
to meet such liabilities.
SUMMARY OF PLAN OF LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION
The following summary does not purport to be complete and is subject in
all respects to the provisions of, and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to, the Plan, which is attached hereto as Exhibit A. Stockholders are urged to
read the Plan in its entirety.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN AND CESSATION OF THE FUND'S ACTIVITIES AS AN
INVESTMENT COMPANY. The Plan will become effective only upon (a) its adoption
and approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund
and (b) the satisfactory resolution in the sole discretion of the Board of any
and all possible claims pending against the Fund, the Board and each Director
(the "Effective Date"). Currently, the Board is not aware of any such claims.
Following the Effective Date, the Fund (i) will cease to invest its assets in
accordance with its investment objective and will, as soon as reasonable and
practicable after the Effective Date, complete the sale of the portfolio
securities it holds in order to convert its assets to cash or cash equivalents,
provided, however, that after stockholder approval of the Plan, but prior to the
Effective Date, the Board may authorize the commencement of the sale of
portfolio securities and the investment of the proceeds of such sale in
investment grade short-term debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars, (ii)
will not engage in any business activities except for the purpose of paying,
satisfying, and discharging any existing debts and obligations, collecting and
distributing its assets, and doing all other acts required to liquidate and wind
up its business and affairs and (iii) will dissolve in accordance with the Plan
and will file Articles of Dissolution with the State of Maryland (see the Plan,
Sections 1-2, 5 and 12). The Fund will, nonetheless, seek to continue to meet
the source of income, asset diversification and distribution requirements
applicable to regulated investment companies through the last day of its final
taxable year ending on liquidation, although there are no assurances it will be
able to do so.
8
CLOSING OF BOOKS AND RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER OF SHARES. The proportionate
interests of stockholders in the assets of the Fund will be fixed on the basis
of their holdings on the Effective Date. On such date, the books of the Fund
will be closed. Thereafter, unless the books of the Fund are reopened because
the Plan cannot be carried into effect under the law of the State of Maryland or
otherwise, the stockholders' respective interests in the Fund's assets will not
be transferable by the negotiation of share certificates and the Fund's shares
will cease to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange (see the Plan, Section
3).
LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTIONS. The distribution of the Fund's assets will be
made in up to two cash payments in complete cancellation of all the outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Fund. The first distribution of the Fund's assets
(the "First Distribution") is expected to consist of cash representing
substantially all of the assets of the Fund, less an estimated amount necessary
to discharge any (a) unpaid liabilities and obligations of the Fund on the
Fund's books on the First Distribution date, and (b) liabilities not on the
books of the Fund on the First Distribution date that the Board reasonably deems
to exist against the assets of the Fund. However, there can be no assurance that
the Fund will be able to declare and pay the First Distribution. If the First
Distribution is declared and paid, the amount of the First Distribution
currently is uncertain. A second distribution (the "Second Distribution"), if
necessary, will consist of cash from any assets remaining after payment of
expenses, the proceeds of any sale of assets of the Fund under the Plan not sold
prior to the First Distribution and any other miscellaneous income of the Fund.
Stockholders holding stock certificates should consider arranging with the
Fund's transfer agent the return of their certificates in advance of any
liquidating distributions in order to facilitate payments to them. The transfer
agent's name and address is Equiserve Trust--Corporate Actions, Post Office Box
43011, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3011. The transfer agent can be reached at
800-331-1710. All stockholders will receive information concerning the sources
of the liquidating distribution (see the Plan, Section 7). All monies not paid
to stockholders due to non-surrender of stock certificates will reside in a
non-interest bearing account and will eventually be escheated to the State of
Maryland.
EXPENSES OF LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION. All of the expenses incurred by
the Fund in carrying out the Plan, including fees in respect of proxy
solicitations related to the stockholder vote on Proposal 2, will be borne by
the Fund (see the Plan, Section 8).
CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE FUND. The Plan provides that the Board has the
authority to authorize such non-material variations from or non-material
amendments of the provisions of the Plan (other than the terms of the
liquidating distributions) at any time without stockholder approval, if the
Board determines that such action would be advisable and in the best interests
of the Fund and its stockholders, as may be necessary or appropriate to effect
the marshalling of Fund assets and the dissolution, complete liquidation and
termination of existence of the Fund, and the distribution of its net assets to
stockholders in accordance with the law of the State of Maryland and the
purposes to be accomplished by the Plan. In addition, the Board may abandon the
Plan, with stockholder approval, prior to the filing of Articles of Dissolution
with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation if the Board
determines that such abandonment would be advisable and in the best interests of
the Fund and its stockholders (see the Plan, Sections 9 and 10). However, it is
the Board's current intention to liquidate and dissolve the Fund as soon as
practicable following the settlement of any possible claims pending against the
Fund, the Board or any Director. As noted above, the Board is currently not
aware of any such claims.
DISTRIBUTION AMOUNTS
The Fund's net asset value on February 28, 2003 was $37,898,424. At such
date, the Fund had 4,585,160 shares outstanding. Accordingly, on February 28,
2003, the net asset value per share of the Fund was $8.27. The amounts to be
distributed to stockholders of the Fund upon liquidation will be reduced by any
remaining expenses of the Fund, the expenses of the Fund in connection with the
liquidation and portfolio transaction costs, as well as any costs incurred in
resolving any claims that may arise against the Fund. Liquidation expenses are
estimated to be approximately $300,000 (or approximately $0.065 per share
outstanding on February 28, 2003). The Fund's remaining portfolio transaction
costs (including amounts allocated for dealer markup on securities traded over
the counter) are estimated to be approximately $69,000, although actual
portfolio transaction costs will depend upon the composition of the portfolio
and the timing of the sale of portfolio securities. Actual liquidation expenses
and portfolio transaction costs will likely vary. Any increase in such costs
will be funded from the cash assets of the Fund and will reduce the amount
available for distribution to stockholders.
GENERAL U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES
From the perspective of shareholders, the liquidation will be treated
for U.S. tax purposes as a sale of shares in the Fund. A shareholder that is
subject to U.S. taxation will recognize gain or loss measured by the difference
between the liquidation distributions received and the shareholder's basis in
Fund shares. The net amount of capital gain recognized by
9
an individual shareholder in respect of shares held for more than one year
generally will be subject to taxation at a reduced rate. If the shareholder has
capital losses derived from the deemed sale of its shares, or from other
transactions, those losses must be applied to reduce capital gains, and to that
extent may reduce amounts otherwise eligible for taxation at a reduced rate.
Capital losses generally may not be applied to reduce ordinary income, subject
to a limited exception applicable to individual shareholders.
IMPACT OF THE PLAN ON THE FUND'S STATUS UNDER THE 1940 ACT
On the Effective Date, the Fund will cease doing business as a registered
investment company and, as soon as practicable, will apply for deregistration
under the 1940 Act. It is expected that the SEC, after the liquidation and
distribution of the Fund's assets, will issue an order approving the
deregistration of the Fund if the Fund is no longer doing business as an
investment company. Accordingly, the Plan provides for the eventual cessation of
the Fund's activities as an investment company and its deregistration under the
1940 Act, and a vote in favor of the Plan will constitute a vote in favor of
such a course of action (see the Plan, Sections 1, 2, 9 and 11).
Until the Fund's deregistration as an investment company becomes
effective, the Fund, as a registered investment company, will continue to be
subject to and will comply with the 1940 Act.
PROCEDURE FOR DISSOLUTION UNDER MARYLAND LAW
After the Effective Date, pursuant to the Maryland General Corporation Law
and the Fund's Amended Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated
ByLaws, if at least a majority of the Fund's aggregate outstanding shares of
capital stock are voted for the proposed liquidation and dissolution of the
Fund, Articles of Dissolution stating that the dissolution has been authorized
will in due course be executed, acknowledged and filed with the Maryland State
Department of Assessments and Taxation, and will become effective in accordance
with such law. Upon the effective date of such Articles of Dissolution, the Fund
will be legally dissolved, but thereafter the Fund will continue to exist for
the purpose of paying, satisfying, and discharging any existing debts or
obligations, collecting and distributing its assets, and doing all other acts
required to liquidate and wind up its business and affairs, but not for the
purpose of continuing the business for which the Fund was organized. The Fund's
Board of Directors will be the trustees of its assets for purposes of
liquidation after the acceptance of the Articles of Dissolution, unless and
until a court appoints a receiver. The Directors will be vested in their
capacity as trustees with full title to all the assets of the Fund (see the
Plan, Sections 2 and 12).
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Stockholders will not be entitled to appraisal rights under Maryland law
in connection with the Plan (see the Plan, Section 14).
VOTING INFORMATION
Approval of the Plan requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Fund entitled
to vote thereon. Unless a contrary specification is made, the accompanying Proxy
Card will be voted FOR approval of the Plan.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FUND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR"
THE PROPOSAL TO LIQUIDATE AND DISSOLVE THE FUND.
10
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Fund's previous
or future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 that might incorporate future filings made by the Fund under those
statutes, the following report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into any prior filings nor future filings made by the Fund under those
statutes.
(1) MEMBERSHIP AND ROLE OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee consists of Mr. Alexander R. Hamilton, Mr. Julian M.I. Reid
and The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cromer. Each of the members of the Audit Committee
is independent as defined under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The
Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of
Directors, which was most recently approved by the Board on November 20, 2002.
The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in monitoring
the integrity of the financial statements of the Fund, the compliance by the
Fund with legal and regulatory requirements, and the independence and
performance of the Fund's external accountants.
(2) REVIEW OF THE FUND'S AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2002
The Audit Committee has conducted specific oversight activities with respect to
the Fund's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2002.
The Audit Committee has also reviewed and discussed the financial statements
with the Investment Adviser. The Audit Committee has discussed with
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP ("PWC"), the Fund's independent accountants, the
matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61
(Communication with Audit Committees).
At its meeting on February 12, 2003, the Audit Committee also received the
written disclosures and the letter from PWC required by Independence Standards
Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussion with Audit Committees) and the
Audit Committee discussed the independence of PWC with that firm.
Based on the Audit Committee's review and discussions noted above, the Audit
Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2002 be included in the Fund's annual report to
shareholders required by Section 30(e) of the 1940 Act, and filed with the SEC
as required by Rule 30d(1) under the 1940 Act.
Audit Committee
Alexander R. Hamilton, Chairman
The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cromer
Julian M.I. Reid
11
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
PWC, located at 250 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, has been
selected as the independent accountants by the Board of Directors, including a
majority of the Independent Directors, to audit the accounts of the Fund for and
during 2003. PWC served as independent accountants of the Fund for 2002. The
Board does not know of any direct or indirect financial interest of PWC in the
Fund.
A representative of PWC will be present at the Meeting, will have the
opportunity to make a statement if he desires to do so, and will be available to
answer questions.
In 2002, PWC performed various professional services for the Fund, including the
examination of the financial statements of the Fund. PWC has also been engaged
to assist with the preparation of corporate tax returns for 2002.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors recommended the selection of PWC
as independent accountants for 2003 and approved and ratified both the audit and
non-audit services provided by the firm and the related fees. The Audit
Committee considered and concluded that the provision of non-audit services by
PWC is compatible with the maintenance of its independence.
During the year ended December 31, 2002, PWC billed the Fund, the Investment
Adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with
the Investment Adviser that provides services to the Fund as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
US$
----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Audit fees billed to the Fund $ 49,000
----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Non-audit fees billed to the Fund (1) $ 2,121
----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Audit fees billed to the Fund's Investment Adviser $ 3,912
----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Non-audit fees billed to the Fund's Investment Adviser $ 0
----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Total $ 55,033
----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
(1) Comprised of $2,121 tax agent fee paid to PWC Taipei, an affiliate of the
Fund's independent accountants.
During the year ended December 31, 2002, there were no financial information
systems design and implementation fees billed by PWC to the Fund, its Investment
Adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with
the Investment Adviser that provides services to the Fund.
THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Fund's Investment Adviser is JF International Management, Inc., which was
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands in 1992 and is registered as an
investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act. The Investment Adviser's
principal address is 21st Floor, Chater House, 8 Connaught Road Central, Hong
Kong.
THE ADMINISTRATOR
The Fund's Administrator is PFPC Inc., whose address is 400 Bellevue Parkway,
Wilmington, Delaware 19809.
DEADLINE FOR STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals intended to be presented at the 2004 Annual Meeting of the
Stockholders of the Fund must be received by November 21, 2003, to be included
in the Proxy Statement. A Stockholder seeking to have a proposal considered at
the 2004 Annual Meeting where the proposal is not received by November 21, 2003,
should notify the Fund no later than January 31, 2004. If notice is not received
by January 31, 2004, then the persons appointed as proxies may vote on the
proposal as they see fit notwithstanding that stockholders have not been advised
of the proposal in the Proxy Statement. Any proposal submitted by stockholders
must comply in all respects with the following: (1) the rules and regulations of
the SEC; (2) the provisions of the Fund's Amended Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws; and (3) Maryland law. If the Fund has not dissolved prior thereto, the
Fund expects the 2004 Annual Meeting will be held in May of 2004.
12
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors of the Fund knows of no other matters to be presented for
action at the Meeting other than those mentioned above; however, if any other
matters properly come before the Meeting, it is intended that the persons named
in the accompanying proxy will vote on such other matters in accordance with
their judgment of the best interests of the Fund.
All proxies received will be voted in favor of all of the proposals unless
otherwise directed therein.
JFCRM-PS-03
13
EXHIBIT A
JARDINE FLEMING CHINA REGION FUND, INC.
PLAN OF LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION
The following Plan of Liquidation and Dissolution (the "PLAN") of the
Jardine Fleming China Region Fund, Inc. (the "FUND"), a corporation organized
and existing under the law of the State of Maryland, which has operated as a
closed-end, management investment company registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 ACT"), is intended to accomplish the
complete liquidation and dissolution of the Fund in conformity with the
provisions of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and Maryland law.
WHEREAS, the Fund's Board of Directors (the "BOARD"), at a meeting of the
Board held on February 12, 2003, unanimously deemed that in its judgment it is
advisable to liquidate and dissolve the Fund, unanimously adopted this Plan as
the method of liquidating and dissolving the Fund and unanimously directed that
this Plan be submitted to stockholders of the Fund for approval;
NOW, THEREFORE, the liquidation and dissolution of the Fund shall be
carried out in the manner hereinafter set forth:
1. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN. The Plan shall be and become effective only
upon (a) the adoption and approval of the Plan by the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Fund at
a meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of voting upon the Plan and (b)
the satisfactory resolution in the sole discretion of the Board of any and all
claims pending against the Fund and its Board. The date of such adoption and
approval of the Plan by stockholders and resolution of all pending claims is
hereinafter called the "EFFECTIVE DATE."
2. CESSATION OF BUSINESS. After the Effective Date of the Plan, the Fund
shall cease its business as an investment company and shall not engage in any
business activities except for the purpose of paying, satisfying, and
discharging any existing debts and obligations, collecting and distributing its
assets, and doing all other acts required to liquidate and wind up its business
and affairs and will dissolve in accordance with the Plan.
3. RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES. The proportionate
interests of stockholders in the assets of the Fund shall be fixed on the basis
of their respective stockholdings at the close of business on the Effective
Date. On the Effective Date, the books of the Fund shall be closed. Thereafter,
unless the books of the Fund are reopened because the Plan cannot be carried
into effect under the law of the State of Maryland or otherwise, the
stockholders' respective interests in the Fund's assets shall not be
transferable by the negotiation of share certificates and the Fund's shares will
cease to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
4. NOTICE OF LIQUIDATION. As soon as practicable after the Effective Date,
the Fund shall mail notice to the appropriate parties that this Plan has been
approved by the Board and the stockholders and that the Fund will be liquidating
its assets. Specifically, as soon as practicable after approval of the Plan, the
Fund shall mail notice to its known creditors at their addresses as shown on the
Fund's records, to the extent such notice is required under the Maryland General
Corporation Law (the "MGCL").
5. LIQUIDATION OF ASSETS. After the event in clause (a) in Section 1
hereof, the Board may authorize the commencement of the sale of portfolio
securities and the investment of the proceeds of such sale in investment grade
short-term debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars. As soon as is reasonable
and practicable after the Effective Date of the Plan, or as soon thereafter as
practicable depending on market conditions and consistent with the terms of the
Plan, all portfolio securities of the Fund not already converted to U.S. cash or
U.S. cash equivalents shall be converted to U.S. cash or U.S. cash equivalents.
A-1
6. PAYMENTS OF DEBTS. As soon as practicable after the Effective Date of
the Plan, the Fund shall determine and shall pay, or set aside in U.S. cash or
U.S. cash equivalents, the amount of all known or reasonably ascertainable
liabilities of the Fund incurred or expected to be incurred prior to the date of
the liquidating distribution provided for in Section 7, below.
7. LIQUIDATING DISTRIBUTIONS. The Fund's assets are expected to be
distributed by up to two cash payments in complete cancellation of all the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Fund. The first distribution of the
Fund's assets (the "FIRST DISTRIBUTION") is expected to consist of cash
representing substantially all the assets of the Fund, less an estimated
amount necessary to (a) discharge any unpaid liabilities and obligations of the
Fund on the Fund's books on the First Distribution date, and (b) discharge any
liabilities not on the books of the Fund on the First Distribution date that the
Board shall reasonably deem to exist against the assets of the Fund. A second
distribution (the "SECOND DISTRIBUTION"), if necessary, will consist of cash
from any assets remaining after payment of and provision for expenses and other
liabilities, the proceeds of any sale of assets of the Fund under the Plan not
sold prior to the First Distribution and any other miscellaneous income to the
Fund.
All stockholders will receive information concerning the sources of the
liquidating distribution.
8. EXPENSES OF THE LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION. The Fund shall bear all
of the expenses incurred by it in carrying out this Plan including, but not
limited to, all printing, mailing, legal, proxy solicitation, accounting,
custodian and transfer agency fees, and the expenses of any reports to or
meeting of stockholders, whether or not the liquidation contemplated by this
Plan is effected.
9. POWER OF THE BOARD, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN. The Board and,
subject to the direction of the Board, the Fund's officers and individual
Directors, shall have authority to do or authorize any or all acts and things as
provided for in the Plan and any and all such further acts and things as they
may consider necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of the Plan,
including, without limitation, the execution and filing of all certificates,
documents, information returns, tax returns, forms, and other papers which may
be necessary or appropriate to implement the Plan or which may be required by
the provisions of the 1940 Act, MGCL or any other applicable law.
The death, resignation or other disability of any Director or any officer
of the Fund shall not impair the authority of the surviving or remaining
Directors or officers to exercise any of the powers provided for in the Plan.
10. AMENDMENT OR ABANDONMENT OF PLAN. The Board shall have the authority
to authorize such non-material variations from or non-material amendments of the
provisions of the Plan (other than the terms of the liquidating distributions)
at any time without stockholder approval, if the Board determines that such
action would be advisable and in the best interests of the Fund and its
stockholders, as may be necessary or appropriate to effect the marshalling of
Fund assets and the dissolution, complete liquidation and termination of
existence of the Fund, and the distribution of its net assets to stockholders in
accordance with the law of the State of Maryland and the purposes to be
accomplished by the Plan. If any variation or amendment appears necessary and,
in the judgment of the Board, will materially and adversely affect the interests
of the Fund's stockholders, such variation or amendment will be submitted to the
Fund's stockholders for approval. In addition, the Board may abandon this Plan,
with stockholder approval, prior to the filing of the Articles of Dissolution if
it determines that abandonment would be advisable and in the best interests of
the Fund and its stockholders.
11. DEREGISTRATION UNDER THE 1940 ACT. As soon as practicable after the
liquidation and distribution of the Fund's assets, the Fund shall prepare and
file a Form N-8F with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in
order to deregister the Fund under the 1940 Act. The Fund shall also file, if
required, a final Form N-SAR (a semi-annual report) or other required reports
with the SEC.
A-2
12. ARTICLES OF DISSOLUTION. Consistent with the provisions of the Plan,
the Fund shall be dissolved in accordance with the law of the State of Maryland
and the Fund's Articles of Incorporation. As soon as practicable after the
Effective Date and pursuant to the MGCL, the Fund shall prepare and file
Articles of Dissolution with and for acceptance by the Maryland State Department
of Assessments and Taxation. After the effectiveness of the Articles of
Dissolution:
(a) The Fund's Directors shall be the trustees of its assets for
purposes of liquidation unless and until a court appoints a receiver. The
Director-Trustees will be vested in their capacity as trustees with full
title to all the assets of the Fund.
(b) The Director-Trustees shall (i) collect and distribute any
remaining assets of the Fund, applying them to the payment, satisfaction
and discharge of existing debts and obligations of the Fund, including
necessary expenses of liquidation; and (ii) distribute the remaining
assets among the stockholders.
(c) The Director-Trustees may (i) carry out the contracts of the
Fund; (ii) sell all or any part of the assets of the Fund at public or
private sale; (iii) sue or be sued in their own names as trustees or in
the name of the Fund; and (iv) do all other acts consistent with law and
the Articles of Incorporation of the Fund necessary or proper to liquidate
the Fund and wind up its affairs.
13. POWER OF THE BOARD. Implementation of this Plan shall be under the
direction of the Board, who shall have full authority to carry out the
provisions of this Plan or such other actions as they deem appropriate without
further stockholder action.
14. APPRAISAL RIGHTS. Under Maryland law, stockholders will not be
entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Plan.
A-3
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JFCRM-PS-03
JARDINE FLEMING CHINA REGION FUND, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER OF JARDINE FLEMING CHINA REGION FUND, INC. (THE
"FUND") HEREBY APPOINTS LISA M. KING AND JOANNE BENNICK, AND EACH OF THEM, THE
LAWFUL ATTORNEYS AND PROXIES OF THE UNDERSIGNED WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION
TO VOTE, AS DESIGNATED BELOW, ALL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF THE FUND WHICH THE
UNDERSIGNED IS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD
ON THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2003, AT 10:00 A.M., AT ONE LIBERTY PLAZA, 39TH FLOOR
CONFERENCE CENTER, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10006, AND AT ANY AND ALL ADJOURNMENTS
THEREOF WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS SET FORTH BELOW AND DESCRIBED IN THE NOTICE
OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT DATED APRIL 2, 2003, RECEIPT OF WHICH IS
HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGED, AND ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING BEFORE SUCH ANNUAL MEETING OR
ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED (OR THE VOTE ON SUCH MATTERS WILL BE
WITHHELD ON SPECIFIC MATTERS) IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS APPEARING ON THE
PROXY. IN THE ABSENCE OF SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS, PROXIES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE
ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES AS DIRECTORS, FOR THE PROPOSAL TO LIQUIDATE AND
DISSOLVE THE FUND AND IN THE BEST DISCRETION OF THE PROXYHOLDERS AS TO ANY OTHER
MATTERS. PLEASE REFER TO THE PROXY STATEMENT FOR A DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSALS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN ON REVERSE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME(S) APPEAR(S) HEREON. WHEN SHARES ARE HELD BY JOINT
TENANTS, BOTH SHOULD SIGN. WHEN SIGNING AS ATTORNEY, EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR,
TRUSTEE OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE GIVE FULL TITLE AS SUCH. IF A CORPORATION, PLEASE
SIGN IN FULL CORPORATE NAME BY PRESIDENT OR OTHER AUTHORIZED OFFICER. IF A
PARTNERSHIP, PLEASE SIGN IN PARTNERSHIP NAME BY AUTHORIZED PERSON.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED? DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?
__________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ __________________________________
[X]PLEASE MARK
VOTES AS IN
THIS EXAMPLE.
---------------------------------------
JARDINE FLEMING CHINA REGION FUND, INC.
---------------------------------------
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF EACH
NOMINEE AS DIRECTOR AND "FOR" PROPOSAL 2.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.
NOMINEE: (01) THE RT. HON. THE EARL OF CROMER AND
(02) ALEXANDER REID HAMILTON
FOR AGAINST
[ ] [ ]
[ ] __________________________________________
FOR ALL NOMINEE(S) EXCEPT AS WRITTEN ABOVE
2. TO CONSIDER AND ACT UPON A PROPOSAL FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
TO LIQUIDATE AND DISSOLVE THE FUND, [ ] [ ] [ ]
AS SET FORTH IN THE PLAN OF
LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION ADOPTED
BY THE FUNDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
MARK BOX AT RIGHT IF AN ADDRESS CHANGE OR COMMENT HAS BEEN NOTED ON [ ]
THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD.
PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY.
SIGNATURE: ___________ DATE:_________ SIGNATURE:_________ DATE:_________