A China Securities Regulatory Commission spokesman confirmed on Friday that the capital market watchdog has started talking with international index compilers about the possibility of integrating the Chinese A-share market into the coverage of global investment index systems.

The CSRC has been "in dialogue recently" with international index compilers such as the New York-based MSCI, a compiler of the global emerging market index, he said.

Capital market observers said the move, once completed, will be an important step to attract global funds into the up-to-now still restrictive A-share market, and prompt its integration with international investment circles.

The markets in Shanghai and Shenzhen saw a general rise of more than 2 percent on Friday in reaction to the news, which means possible liberalization of the A-share market.

MSCI claims to be a provider of investment decision support tools to around 7,500 clients worldwide, ranging from large pension plans to boutique hedge funds, by offering products and services including indexes, portfolio risk and performance analysis, and governance tools.