Here's why Alibaba listing in Hong Kong such a big deal for the city

Alibaba postponed its listing plans over the summer as political protests that began in June worsened

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is set to price its first share sale in Hong Kong next week, raising up to $13.4 billion in what will be the largest deal in the city since 2010 and the world's biggest ever cross-border secondary listing.

WHY IS ALIBABA LISTING IN HONG KONG?

Analysts say establishing a base outside the United States gives the U.S.-listed company options, especially in the light of the U.S.-China trade dispute.

It is an "escape valve listing", said Travis Lundy, an analyst at Quiddity Advisors who publishes on SmartKarma.

"Investors can take delivery or buy and sell shares (in Hong Kong) should U.S.-China