[ANNOTATED FORM N-CSR FOR ANNUAL REPORTS]

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number

811-21926

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

522 Fifth Avenue New York, NY

 

10036

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

Randy Takian
522 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10036

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

1-800-221-6726

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

12/31

 

 

Date of reporting period:

12/31/08

 

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file  reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to  stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders  under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1).  The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its  regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form  N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is  not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form  N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and  Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy  of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing  the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street,  NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of  information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. Section 3507.

 



 

ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.

 

The Fund’s annual report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is as follows:

 


 


 

 

2008 Annual Report

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Morgan Stanley
China A Share Fund, Inc.
(CAF)

 

Morgan Stanley
Investment Management Inc.
Investment Adviser

 



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Overview (unaudited)

 

Letter to Stockholders

 

Performance

 

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) had total returns of -63.87%, based on net asset value, and -51.22% based on market value per share (including reinvestment of distributions), compared to its benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) China A Share Index (the “Index”), which returned -61.81%. On December 31, 2008, the closing price of the Fund’s shares on the New York Stock Exchange was $20.45, representing a 0.1% discount to the Fund’s net asset value per share. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

Factors Affecting Performance

 

·                  The A-share market declined 62% in 2008 on economic slowdown, corporate earnings downgrades and the floating of lock-up shares (that is, non-tradable shares converting to tradable shares after the expiration of a lock-up period).

 

·                  China maintained a tightening policy during the first through third quarters of 2008, due to spiking inflationary pressure. These tightening measures brought deteriorating external demand and a weakening domestic property market, and finally caused a sharp slowdown in economic activity in the fourth quarter of the year.

 

·                  After shooting up in 2007, the A share market was trading at over 30 times its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio at the beginning of 2008. The major swing in economic conditions triggered a significant downgrade in earnings and valuations, contributing to negative sentiment and further downward pressure on the market.

 

·                  The A share market is a very consensus-driven market, which has tended to overshoot on both the upside and the downside when sentiment turns. The floating of lock-up shares in 2008 also added to the bearish sentiment in the market.

 

·                  The Fund’s overweight in cash and stock selection in the financials sector were large positive contributors to relative performance. Within financials, the Fund held an overweight to large-cap banks, which outperformed mid- and small-cap banks as well as the Index during the period. The Fund also had zero exposure to an insurance company that significantly underperformed due to losses stemming from the company’s investment in a Western bank seeking bailout. Finally, an underweight in the weak-performing properties segment of the financial sector further supported relative performance.

 

·                  By contrast, holdings in the industrials sector, which included a mix of machinery, shipping and infrastructure companies, detracted from relative returns. Machinery stocks dampened performance as they faced a margin squeeze in 2008 amid escalating raw material prices, while shipping stocks lagged due to the collapsing Baltic Dry Index, a common gauge of dry container shipping prices.

 

Management Strategies

 

·                  The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective of capital growth by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets in A-shares of Chinese companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, either through a licensed qualified foreign institutional investor or by gaining exposure to the A-share market through the use of derivatives.

 

·                  Over the course of the period, the Fund had an overweighted position in the industrials sector and a significant underweight in consumer discretionary. In industrials, the Fund’s portfolio included globally competitive equipment manufacturers that we believe may be poised to benefit from China’s increasing competitiveness in the capital goods arena. The Fund’s industrials holdings also included infrastructure names, which we believe have relatively high earnings visibility, steady cash flows, and attractive dividend yields in an economic downturn.

 

2



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Overview (unaudited)

 

Letter to Stockholders (cont’d)

 

·                  During the period, we reduced the Fund’s overweight in industrials by eliminating our exposure to shipping stocks. In addition, we added to select sectors and companies that we believe may directly benefit from the government’s stimulus package.

 

 

Sincerely,

Randy Takian

 

President and Principal Executive Officer

January 2009

 

3



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Portfolio of Investments

 

 

 

Shares

 

Value
(000)

 

COMMON STOCKS (86.7%)

 

 

 

 

 

(Unless Otherwise Noted)

 

 

 

 

 

Beverages (6.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Class A

 

1,049,774

 

$

16,836

 

Commercial Banks (13.6%)

 

 

 

 

 

China Construction Bank Corp.,
Class A

 

21,230,919

 

11,970

 

China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd.

 

7,300,296

 

13,095

 

Industrial & Commercial Bank of
China Ltd., Class A

 

22,625,462

 

11,791

 

 

 

 

 

36,856

 

Construction Materials (9.1%)

 

 

 

 

 

Anhui Conch Cement Co., Ltd.,
Class A (a)

 

5,012,402

 

19,166

 

Huaxin Cement Co., Ltd., Class A

 

2,480,856

 

5,437

 

 

 

 

 

24,603

 

Electrical Equipment (1.3%)

 

 

 

 

 

China South Locomotive & Rolling
Stock Corp., Class H (a)

 

6,694,000

 

3,662

 

Engineering & Contracting Services (2.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

China Railway Construction Corp.,
Class A (a)

 

3,986,960

 

5,900

 

Food & Staples Retailing (0.1%)

 

 

 

 

 

Beijing Hualian Hypermarket Co., Ltd,
Class A (a)

 

220,000

 

199

 

Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders (3.9%)

 

 

 

 

 

Huadian Power International Corp.,
Class A

 

10,086,600

 

5,687

 

Huaneng Power International Inc,
Class A

 

4,701,600

 

4,795

 

 

 

 

 

10,482

 

Insurance (3.0%)

 

 

 

 

 

China Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Class A

 

2,967,358

 

8,212

 

Machinery (9.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

Guangxi Liugong Machinery Co., Ltd.,
Class A

 

7,246,962

 

10,102

 

Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd.,
Class A

 

11,569,074

 

15,329

 

 

 

 

 

25,431

 

Metals & Mining (5.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

Wuhan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd., Class A

 

19,820,275

 

14,003

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (5.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

Shanxi Xishan Coal & Electricity
Power Co., Ltd., Class A

 

8,201,700

 

14,179

 

Real Estate (13.5%)

 

 

 

 

 

China Merchants Property
Development Co., Ltd.

 

5,182,362

 

9,999

 

China Vanke Co., Ltd., Class A

 

19,674,805

 

18,778

 

Gemdale Corp., Class A

 

8,054,189

 

7,724

 

 

 

 

 

36,501

 

Road & Rail (5.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

Daqin Railway Co., Ltd., Class A

 

12,246,300

 

14,507

 

Specialty Retail (1.7%)

 

 

 

 

 

GOME Electrical Appliances
Holdings Ltd.

 

32,146,000

 

4,645

 

Transportation Infrastructure (6.9%)

 

 

 

 

 

Guangzhou Baiyun International
Airport Co., Ltd.

 

3,335,418

 

3,470

 

Jiangxi Ganyue Expressway Co., Ltd.

 

13,207,886

 

15,177

 

 

 

 

 

18,647

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $235,146)

 

 

 

234,663

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (13.9%)

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Company (13.9%)

 

 

 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Institutional
Liquidity Money Market
Portfolio — Institutional Class
(Cost $37,569) (b)

 

37,569,086

 

37,569

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.6%) (Cost $272,715) (c)

 

 

 

272,232

 

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.6%)

 

 

 

(1,750

)

NET ASSETS (100%)

 

 

 

$270,482

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

See Note G within the Notes to Financial Statements regarding investment in Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Money Market Portfolio — Institutional Class.

(c)

The approximate market value and percentage of total investments, $230,018,000 and 84.5%, respectively, represent the securities that have been fair valued under the fair valuation policy for international investments as described in Note A within the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

4

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Portfolio of Investments (cont’d)

 

Portfolio Composition

 

Classification

 

Percentage of
Total Investments

 

Commercial Banks

 

13.5

%

Real Estate

 

13.4

 

Machinery

 

9.3

 

Construction Materials

 

9.0

 

Transportation Infrastructure

 

6.9

 

Beverages

 

6.2

 

Road & Rail

 

5.3

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

 

5.2

 

Metals & Mining

 

5.1

 

Other*

 

12.3

 

Short-Term Investment

 

 

13.8

 

Total Investments

 

 

100.0

%

 

*                 Industries which do not appear in the above table, as well as those which represent less than 5% of total investments, if applicable, are included in the category labeled “Other”.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

5



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2008 (000)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value (Cost $235,146)

 

$

234,663

 

Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $37,569)

 

37,569

 

Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $272,715)

 

272,232

 

Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $31,849)

 

31,952

 

Receivable for Investments Sold

 

701

 

Dividends Receivable

 

39

 

Receivable from Affiliate

 

4

 

Other Assets

 

8

 

Total Assets

 

304,936

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

Payable For:

 

 

 

Dividends Declared

 

24,181

 

Income Tax Payable

 

9,612

 

Investment Advisory Fees

 

372

 

Custodian Fees

 

222

 

Administration Fees

 

22

 

Directors’ Fees and Expenses

 

@

Other Liabilities

 

45

 

Total Liabilities

 

34,454

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

Applicable to 13,208,417 Issued and Outstanding $0.01 Par Value Shares (100,000,000 Shares Authorized)

 

$

270,482

 

Net Asset Value Per Share

 

$

20.48

 

Net Assets Consist of:

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

$

132

 

Paid-in Capital

 

270,773

 

Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income

 

(43

)

Accumulated Net Realized Gain

 

(1

)

Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments and Foreign Currency Translations

 

(379

)

Net Assets

 

$

270,482

 

@     Amount is less than $500.

 

6

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2008
(000)

 

Investment Income:

 

 

 

Dividends from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers (Net of $53 of Foreign Taxes Withheld)

 

$

7,511

 

Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer

 

627

 

Interest from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers

 

285

 

Total Investment Income

 

8,423

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

Investment Advisory Fees (Note B)

 

8,098

 

Custodian Fees (Note D)

 

953

 

Administration Fees (Note C)

 

434

 

Professional Fees

 

117

 

Stockholder Reporting Expenses

 

69

 

Directors’ Fees and Expenses

 

12

 

Stockholder Servicing Agent Fees

 

7

 

Other Expenses

 

44

 

Total Expenses

 

9,734

 

Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliated Cash Sweep (Note G)

 

(26

)

Expense Offset (Note D)

 

@

Net Expenses

 

9,708

 

Net Investment Loss

 

(1,285

)

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:

 

 

 

Investments (Net of Income Taxes of $9,612) (Note H)

 

39,883

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

3,393

 

Net Realized Gain

 

43,276

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

 

 

Investments

 

(592,399

)

Foreign Currency Translations

 

108

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

(592,291

)

Net Realized Gain (Loss) and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

(549,015

)

Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

$

(550,300

)

@     Amount is less than $500.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

7



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2008
(000)

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2007
(000)

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Investment Loss

 

(1,285

)

(4,049

)

Net Realized Gain

 

43,276

 

176,006

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

(592,291

)

497,755

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

(550,300

)

669,712

 

Distributions from and/or in Excess of:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

 

(2,089

)

(2,052

)

Net Realized Gain

 

(74,860

)

(123,762

)

Total Distributions

 

(76,949

)

(125,814

)

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of Distributions (106,308 shares in 2008)

 

3,853

 

 

Total Increase (Decrease)

 

(623,396

)

543,898

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of Period

 

893,878

 

349,980

 

End of Period (Including Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income of $(43) and $(2), respectively)

 

270,482

 

893,878

 

 

8

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Per Share Data and Ratios

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

Period from
September 28,
2006^ to
December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

 

$

68.22

 

$

26.71

 

$

19.10

 

Net Investment Loss†

 

(0.10

)

(0.31

)

(0.05

)

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

(41.78

)

51.43

 

7.66

 

Total from Investment Operations

 

(41.88

)

51.12

 

7.61

 

Distributions from and/or in Excess of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

 

(0.16

)

(0.16

)

 

Net Realized Gain

 

(5.70

)

(9.45

)

 

Total Distributions

 

(5.86

)

(9.61

)

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

 

$

20.48

 

$

68.22

 

$

26.71

 

Per Share Market Value, End of Period

 

$

20.45

 

$

50.51

 

$

31.00

 

TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market Value

 

(51.22

)%

99.63

%

55.00

%*

Net Asset Value(1)

 

(63.87

)%

212.93

%

39.84

%*

RATIOS, SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands)

 

$

270,482

 

$

893,878

 

$

349,980

 

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

 

1.80

%+

1.73

%+

1.98

%**

Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets

 

(0.24

)%+

(0.58

)%+

(0.93

)%**

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

79

%

64

%

14

%*

 

(1)

Total investment return based on net asset value per share reflects the effects of changes in net asset value on the performance of the Fund during each period, and assumes dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. This percentage is not an indication of the performance of a stockholder’s investment in the Fund based on market value due to differences between the market price of the stock and the net asset value per share of the Fund.

^

Commencement of Operations

Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

+

Reflects rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Money Market Portfolio — Institutional Class during the period. As a result of such rebate, the expenses as a percentage of its net assets were effected by less than 0.005%.

*

Not Annualized

**

Annualized

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

9



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

The Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland on July 6, 2006 and is registered as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s investment objective is to seek capital growth. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective primarily through investments in A-shares of Chinese companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. The prices of A-shares are quoted in Renminbi, and currently only Chinese domestic investors and certain Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors (“QFII”) are allowed to trade A-shares. To the extent that the Fund invests in derivative instruments that the Adviser believes have economic characteristics similar to A-shares of Chinese companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, such investments will be counted for purposes of the Fund’s policy in the previous sentence. To the extent the Fund makes such investments, the Fund will be subject to the risks of such derivative instruments as described herein.

 

The Adviser has obtained a QFII license pursuant to which it is authorized to invest in China A-shares and other permitted China securities on behalf of the Fund up to its specified investment quota of $200,000,000, as updated, modified or renewed from time to time (the “A-share Quota”). There is no guarantee that the A-share Quota will not be modified in the future.

 

A.                        Accounting Policies:   The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Such policies are consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

1.                          Security Valuation:   Securities listed on a foreign exchange are valued at their closing price except as noted below. Unlisted securities and listed securities not traded on the valuation date for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from reputable brokers. Equity securities listed on a U.S. exchange are valued at the latest quoted sales price on the valuation date. Equity securities listed or traded on NASDAQ, for which market quotations are available, are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Debt securities purchased with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, if it approximates market value.

 

All other securities and investments for which market values are not readily available, including restricted securities, and those securities for which it is inappropriate to determine prices in accordance with the aforementioned procedures, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by the Board of Directors (the “Directors”), although the actual calculations may be done by others. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities), analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents and, if necessary, available information concerning other securities in similar circumstances.

 

Most foreign markets close before the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Occasionally, developments that could affect the closing prices of securities and other assets may occur between the times at which valuations of such securities are determined (that is, close of the foreign market on which the securities trade) and the close of business on the NYSE. If these developments are expected to materially affect the value of the securities, the valuations may be adjusted to reflect the estimated fair value as of the close of the NYSE, as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Directors.

 

2.                          Foreign Currency Translation:   The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the bid and asked prices of such currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted by a major bank as follows:

 

·                  investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rates of exchange on the valuation date;

 

·                  investment transactions and investment income at the prevailing rates of exchange on the dates of such transactions.

 

Although the net assets of the Fund are presented at the foreign exchange rates and market values at the close of the period, the Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of the securities held at period end.

 

10



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

Similarly, the Fund does not isolate the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities sold during the period. Accordingly, realized and unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances.

 

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from sales and maturities of foreign currency exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amount of investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains (losses) from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translations in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The change in net unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency translations for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

 

A significant portion of the Fund’s net assets consist of securities of issuers located in China which are denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in currency exchange rates will affect the value of and investment income from such securities. In general, Chinese securities are subject to greater price volatility, limited capitalization and liquidity, and higher rates of inflation than securities of companies based in the United States.

 

In addition, Chinese securities may be subject to substantial governmental involvement in the economy and greater social, economic and political uncertainty. Such securities may be concentrated in a limited number of countries and regions and may vary throughout the year.

 

3.                          Derivatives: The Fund may use derivatives to achieve its investment objectives. The Fund may engage in transactions in futures contracts on foreign currencies, stock indices, as well as in options, swaps and structured products. Consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies, the Fund may use derivatives for non-hedging as well as hedging purposes.

 

Following is a description of derivative instruments that the Fund has utilized and their associated risks:

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts:   The Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts generally to attempt to protect securities and related receivables and payables against changes in future foreign exchange rates and, in certain situations, to gain exposure to a foreign currency. A foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell currency at a set price on a future date. The market value of the contract will fluctuate with changes in currency exchange rates. The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as unrealized gain or loss. The Fund records realized gains or losses when the contract is closed equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risk may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and is generally limited to the amount of unrealized gain on the contracts, if any, at the date of default. Risks may also arise from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. At December 31, 2008, the Fund did not have any outstanding foreign currency exchange contracts.

 

Structured Securities:   The Fund may invest in interests in entities organized and operated solely for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of sovereign debt obligations. This type of restructuring involves the deposit with or purchase by an entity of specified instruments and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of securities (“Structured Securities”) backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. Structured Securities generally will expose the Fund to credit risks of the underlying instruments as well as of the issuer of the Structured Security. Structured Securities are typically sold in private placement transactions with no active trading market. Investments in Structured Securities may be more volatile than their underlying instruments, however, any loss is limited to the amount of the original investment.

 

Over-the-Counter Trading:   Securities and other derivative instruments that may be purchased or sold by the Fund may consist of instruments not traded on an exchange. The risk of nonperformance by the obligor on such an instrument may be greater, and the ease with which the Fund can dispose of or enter into closing transactions

 

11



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

with respect to such an instrument may be less, than in the case of an exchange-traded instrument. In addition, significant spreads may exist between bid and ask prices for derivative instruments that are not traded on an exchange. Derivative instruments not traded on exchanges are also not subject to the same type of government regulation as exchange traded instruments, and many of the protections afforded to participants in a regulated environment may not be available in connection with such transactions.

 

4.                          New Accounting Pronouncement:   On March 19, 2008, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of SFAS 161 is required for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of SFAS 161 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.

 

5.                          Fair Value Measurement:   The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with SFAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in a timely transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. SFAS 157 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of December 31, 2008 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at value:

 

Valuation Inputs

 

Investments
in Securities

(000)

 

Level 1 - Quoted Prices

 

$

37,569

 

Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs

 

234,663

 

Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs

 

 

Total

 

$

272,232

 

 

At December 31, 2008, there were no Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

 

6.                          Other:   Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost basis. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Dividend income and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except certain dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes.

 

B.                        Investment Advisory Fees:   The Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Fund under the terms of an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement (the “Agreement”). Under the Agreement, the Adviser is paid a fee computed weekly and payable monthly at an annual rate of 1.50% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets.

 

12



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company (the “Sub-Adviser”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. The Sub-Adviser, subject to the control and supervision of the Fund, its Officers, Directors and the Adviser, and in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund, makes certain day-to-day investment decisions and places certain purchase and sale orders. The Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

 

C.                        Administration Fees:   MS Investment Management also serves as Administrator to the Fund pursuant to an Administration Agreement. Under the Administration Agreement, the administration fee is 0.08% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets. Under a sub-administration agreement between the Administrator and JPMorgan Investor Services Co. (“JPMIS”), a corporate affiliate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., JPMIS provides certain administrative services to the Fund. For such services, the Administrator pays JPMIS a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund. Administration costs (including out-of-pocket expenses) incurred in the ordinary course of providing services under the administration agreement, except pricing services and extraordinary expenses, are covered under the administration fee.

 

D.                        Custodian Fees:   JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (the “Custodian”) and its affiliates serve as Custodian for the Fund. The Custodian holds cash, securities, and other assets of the Fund as required by the 1940 Act. Custody fees are payable monthly based on assets held in custody, investment purchases and sales activity and account maintenance fees, plus reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its Custodian whereby credits realized on uninvested cash balances were used to offset a portion of the Fund’s expenses. These custodian credits are shown as “Expense Offset” on the Statement of Operations.

 

E.                          Federal Income Taxes:   It is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute all of its taxable income. Accordingly, no provision for Federal income taxes is required in the financial statements. Dividend income and distributions to stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

 

The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/ or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48) sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in “Interest Expense” and penalties in “Other” expenses on the Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four year period ended December 31, 2008, remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

 

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

 

2008 Distributions
Paid From:
(000)

 

2007 Distributions
Paid From:
(000)

Ordinary
Income

 

Long-term
Capital
Gain

 

Ordinary
Income

 

Long-term
Capital
Gain

$15,604

 

$61,345

 

$125,814

 

$—

 

The amount and character of income and capital gain distributions to be paid by the Fund are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The book/tax differences are considered either temporary or permanent in nature.

 

Temporary differences are generally due to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

 

Permanent differences, primarily due to differing treatments of gains (losses) related to foreign currency transactions, nondeductible corporate tax paid and distribution redesignations,

 

13



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

resulted in the following reclassifications among the components of net assets at December 31, 2008:

 

Increase (Decrease)

Undistributed
(Distributions in
Excess of)
Net Investment
Income (Loss)
(000)

 

Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
(000)

 

Paid-in
Capital
(000)

$3,333

 

$(21,184)

 

$17,851

 

At December 31, 2008, the Fund had no distributable earnings on a tax basis.

 

At December 31, 2008, the U.S. Federal income tax cost basis of investments was approximately $272,715,000 and, accordingly, net unrealized depreciation for U.S. Federal income tax purposes was $483,000 of which $30,012,000 related to appreciated securities and $30,495,000 related to depreciated securities.

 

Net capital, currency and passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) losses incurred after October 31, and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund deferred to January 2, 2009, for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, currency losses of approximately $40,000.

 

Under the Income Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China Concerning Foreign Investment Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises, which took effect in China in 1991, the Fund’s income from dividends and profit distributions of companies from Chinese sources is generally subject to Chinese withholding tax at a rate of 20%, absent an applicable tax treaty. This withholding tax rate was reduced by subsequent notice from 20% to 10% for specified types of income recognized after January 1, 2000, including interest, absent an applicable tax treaty. The practice of the Chinese tax authorities suggests a 10% withholding tax rate has been accepted for capital gain income. Unless another exception applies, dividends and gains recognized by a foreign enterprise in connection with the holding or disposition of Chinese securities would generally be subject to a 10% withholding tax. An additional notice issued on July 21, 1993 by the State Tax Bureau provides, inter alia, that dividends received by foreign investors in respect of their holdings of “B” shares issued by Chinese companies will not be subject to income tax until a new tax law is promulgated. Any gains (whether of a capital or trading nature) realized by the Fund from the sale of any “B” shares are not currently subject to any income tax in China. However, pursuant to the same notice, if such gains were realized by the Fund through a permanent establishment or office in China, it will form part of the taxable profit of such permanent establishment or office, although losses realized will also be available to offset such gains. In view of this notice and the absence of any guidance regarding the taxation of QFII transactions, withholding agents for QFII accounts (such as the Sub-Custodian) have generally not withheld taxes on dividend payments on, or gains derived with respect to the sale of, A Shares. This practice of treating QFII investments in A Shares the same as other foreign enterprise investments in B Shares for tax purposes is not based on any published legal authority. There can be no assurance that the Chinese tax authorities will treat foreign enterprise investments in A Shares through an A-share Quota in the same manner as foreign enterprise investments in B Shares. In the event they do not, dividends and gains with respect to A Share investments would likely be subject to the 10% withholding tax described above, possibly with retroactive effect.

 

Effective from May 30, 2007, a Chinese stamp tax is generally imposed on the purchase and sale of shares of publicly-traded Chinese companies at a rate of 0.3% of the purchase/sales consideration. The Chinese stamp duty rate for share transfer of non listed equity interests of People’s Republic of China companies documents is 0.05% payable by both the seller and buyer. In this regard, the total stamp duty is 0.10%. The Adviser will be subject to this tax on each trade it makes in a Chinese-listed security.

 

The tax law and regulations of China are subject to change, and may be changed with retrospective effect. The interpretation and applicability of tax law and regulations by tax authorities are not as consistent and transparent as those of more developed nations, and may vary from region to region. Accordingly, China taxes and duties payable by the Adviser as the QFII, which are to be reimbursed by the Fund to the extent attributable to the assets held through the A-share Quota, may change at any time.

 

F.                          Contractual Obligations:   The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

14



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

G.        Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:   The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Money Market Portfolio, an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser. Investment Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of advisory and administration fees paid by the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Money Market Portfolio. For the year ended December 31, 2008, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $26,000 relating to the Fund’s investment in the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Money Market Portfolio.

 

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in shares of the affiliated issuer during the year ended December 31, 2008 is as follows:

 

Market Value
December 31,
2007
(000)

 

Purchases
at Cost
(000)

 

Sales
Proceeds
(000)

 

Dividend
Income
(000)

 

Market Value
December 31,
2008
(000)

$520

 

$260,540

 

$223,491

 

$627

 

$37,569

 

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund made purchases and sales totaling approximately $392,063,000 and $625,734,000, respectively, of investment securities other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments. There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund incurred approximately $16,000 of brokerage commissions with Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, an affiliated broker/dealer.

 

Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund incurred approximately $326,000 of brokerage commissions with China International Capital Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited (CICC), an affiliated broker/dealer.

 

H.        Other:   On June 19, 2007, the Directors approved a procedure whereby the Fund may, when appropriate, purchase shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at a price not above market value or net asset value, whichever is lower at the time of the purchase. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund did not repurchase any of its shares.

 

On December 19, 2008, the Officers of the Fund, pursuant to authority granted by the Directors declared a distribution of $0.1626 per share, derived from net investment income, and $3.7473 per share, derived from capital gains, of which $2.0792 per share will be retained by the Fund. The dividend will be payable on January 16, 2009, to stockholders of record on December 31, 2008.

 

The Fund announced it would retain a portion of its realized long-term capital gains for the tax year ended December 31, 2008, and would pay any required federal corporate income taxes on these gains. Stockholders of record on December 31, 2008, holding the Fund in a taxable account must include their pro-rata share of the Fund’s retained gains as reported on IRS Form 2439 on their 2008 federal income tax returns. Stockholders will be entitled to take an offsetting federal income tax credit equal to their pro-rata share of taxes the Fund paid on its retained gains. Stockholders also will be entitled to increase their cost basis in Fund shares by the difference between their pro-rata share of the Fund’s retained gains and the taxes paid by the Fund allocable to such gains. The Fund’s long-term capital gains retained and corresponding federal corporate income taxes paid were approximately $27,463,000 and $9,612,000, respectively.

 

I.          Supplemental Proxy Information (unaudited):   On June 19, 2008, an annual meeting of the Fund’s stockholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

 

Election of Directors by all stockholders:

 

 

 

For

 

Withhold

 

Kathleen A. Dennis

 

10,949,865

 

273,623

 

Joseph J. Kearns

 

10,950,387

 

273,101

 

Michael E. Nugent

 

10,951,228

 

272,260

 

Fergus Reid

 

10,950,898

 

272,590

 

 

15



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

Federal Income Tax Information (unaudited)

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended December 31, 2008.

 

The Fund designated and paid approximately $61,345,000 as long-term capital gain distribution.

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the Fund’s earnings for its taxable year ended December 31, 2008.

 

When distributed, certain earnings may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15% as provided for the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2004. The Fund designated up to a maximum of approximately $2,143,000 as taxable at this lower rate.

 

The Fund intends to pass through foreign tax credits of approximately $53,000, and has derived net income from sources within foreign countries amounting to approximately $7,804,000.

 

For non-U.S. residents, the Fund may designate up to a maximum of approximately $483,000 as qualifying as interest-related dividends. Additionally, the Fund may designate up to a maximum of approximately $13,455,000 as qualifying as short-term capital gain dividends.

 

In January, the Fund provides tax information to stockholders for the preceding calendar year.

 

For More Information About Portfolio Holdings (unaudited)

 

The Fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its semi-annual and annual reports within 60 days of the end of the Fund’s second and fourth fiscal quarters. The semi-annual reports and the annual reports are filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form N-CSRS and Form N-CSR, respectively. Morgan Stanley also delivers the semi-annual and annual reports to Fund stockholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/msim. Each Morgan Stanley fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the Fund’s first and third fiscal quarters on Form N-Q. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to stockholders, nor are the reports posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may, however, obtain the Form N-Q filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy them at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1(800) SEC-0330. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC’s e-mail address (publicinfo@sec.gov) or by writing the public reference section of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-0102.

 

In addition to filing a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC each fiscal quarter, the Fund makes portfolio holdings information available by periodically providing the information on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/msim.

 

The Fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings on the public website on a calendar-quarter basis approximately 31 calendar days after the close of the calendar quarter. The Fund also provides Top 10 holdings information on the public website approximately 15 business days following the end of each month. You may obtain copies of the Fund’s monthly or calendar-quarter website postings, by calling 1(800) 231-2608.

 

16



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record (unaudited)

 

A copy of (1) the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the voting of proxies relating to the Fund’s portfolio securities; and (2) how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1(800) 548-7786 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/msim. This information is also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

17



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Portfolio Management (unaudited)

 

The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Equity team. The team consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of the team jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio are James Cheng and Homiyar Vasania, each a Managing Director of the Sub-Adviser. Mr. Cheng has been associated with the Sub-Adviser in an investment management capacity since July 2006 and joined the team managing the Fund at its inception in September 2006. Prior to July 2006, Mr. Cheng worked in an investment management capacity at Invesco Asia Limited, Asia Strategic Investment Management Limited and Munich Re Asia Capital Management. Mr. Vasania has been associated with the Sub-Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2000 and began managing the Fund at its inception in September 2006.

 

18



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm

 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2008, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2008, by correspondence with the custodian. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc. at December 31, 2008, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

 

Boston, Massachusetts
February 24, 2009

 

19



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (unaudited)

 

Pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment (the “Plan”), each stockholder will be deemed to have elected, unless Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Plan Agent”) is otherwise instructed by the stockholder in writing, to have all distributions automatically reinvested in Fund shares.

 

Dividend and capital gain distributions will be reinvested on the reinvestment date in full and fractional shares. If the market price per share equals or exceeds net asset value per share on the reinvestment date, the Fund will issue shares to participants at net asset value or, if net asset value is less than 95% of the market price on the reinvestment date, shares will be issued at 95% of the market price. If net asset value exceeds the market price on the reinvestment date, participants will receive shares valued at market price.

 

The Plan Agent’s fees for the reinvestment of dividends and distributions will be paid by the Fund. However, each participant’s account will be charged a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred on any open market purchases effected on such participant’s behalf. Although stockholders in the Plan may receive no cash distributions, participation in the Plan will not relieve participants of any income tax which may be payable on such dividends or distributions.

 

In the case of stockholders, such as banks, brokers or nominees, that hold shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the stockholder as representing the total amount registered in the stockholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who are participating in the Plan.

 

Stockholders who do not wish to have distributions automatically reinvested should notify the Plan Agent in writing. There is no penalty for non-participation or withdrawal from the Plan, and stockholders who have previously withdrawn from the Plan may rejoin at any time. Requests for additional information or any correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent at:

 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43010
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3010
1(800) 231-2608

 

20



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Morgan Stanley Institutional Closed End Funds
An Important Notice Concerning Our
U.S. Privacy Policy (unaudited)

 

We are required by federal law to provide you with a copy of our Privacy Policy annually.

 

The following Policy applies to current and former individual investors in Morgan Stanley Institutional closed end funds. This Policy is not applicable to partnerships, corporations, trusts or other non-individual clients or account holders. Please note that we may amend this Policy at any time, and will inform you of any changes to this Policy as required by law.

 

We Respect Your Privacy

 

We appreciate that you have provided us with your personal financial information. We strive to maintain the privacy of such information while we help you achieve your financial objectives. This Policy describes what non-public personal information we collect about you, why we collect it, and when we may share it with others. We hope this Policy will help you understand how we collect and share non-public personal information that we gather about you. Throughout this Policy, we refer to the non-public information that personally identifies you or your accounts as “personal information.”

 

1. What Personal Information Do We Collect About You?

 

To serve you better and manage our business, it is important that we collect and maintain accurate information about you. We may obtain this information from applications and other forms you submit to us, from your dealings with us, from consumer reporting agencies, from our Web sites and from third parties and other sources.

 

For example:

·                  We may collect information such as your name, address, e-mail address, telephone/fax numbers, assets, income and investment objectives through applications and other forms you submit to us.

·                  We may obtain information about account balances, your use of account(s) and the types of products and services you prefer to receive from us through your dealings and transactions with us and other sources.

·                  We may obtain information about your creditworthiness and credit history from consumer reporting agencies.

·                  We may collect background information from and through third-party vendors to verify representations you have made and to comply with various regulatory requirements.

·                  If you interact with us through our public and private Web sites, we may collect information that you provide directly through online communications (such as an e-mail address). We may also collect information about your Internet service provider, your domain name, your computer’s operating system and Web browser, your use of our Web sites and your product and service preferences, through the use of “cookies.” “Cookies” recognize your computer each time you return to one of our sites, and help to improve our sites’ content and personalize your experience on our sites by, for example, suggesting offerings that may interest you. Please consult the Terms of Use of these sites for more details on our use of cookies.

 

2. When Do We Disclose Personal Information We Collect About You?

 

To provide you with the products and services you request, to serve you better and to manage our business, we may disclose personal information we collect about you to our affiliated companies and to non-affiliated third parties as required or permitted by law.

 

A. Information We Disclose to Our Affiliated Companies. We do not disclose personal information that we collect about you to our affiliated companies except to enable them to provide services on our behalf or as otherwise required or permitted by law.

 

21



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Morgan Stanley Institutional Closed End Funds
An Important Notice Concerning Our
U.S. Privacy Policy (cont’d)

 

B. Information We Disclose to Third Parties. We do not disclose personal information that we collect about you to non-affiliated third parties except to enable them to provide services on our behalf, to perform joint marketing agreements with other financial institutions, or as otherwise required or permitted by law. For example, some instances where we may disclose information about you to nonaffiliated third parties include: for servicing and processing transactions, to offer our own products and services, to protect against fraud, for institutional risk control, to respond to judicial process or to perform services on our behalf. When we share personal information with these companies, they are required to limit their use of personal information to the particular purpose for which it was shared and they are not allowed to share personal information with others except to fulfill that limited purpose.

 

3. How Do We Protect the Security and Confidentiality of Personal Information We Collect About You?

 

We maintain physical, electronic and procedural security measures to help safeguard the personal information we collect about you. We have internal policies governing the proper handling of client information. Third parties that provide support or marketing services on our behalf may also receive personal information, and we require them to adhere to confidentiality standards with respect to such information.

 

22



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

 

Independent Directors:

 

Name, Age and Address of
Independent Director

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Length of
Time
Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Independent
Director**

 

Other Directorships Held by
Independent Directors

Frank L. Bowman (64)
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Counsel to the Independent Trustees
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036

 

Director

 

Since
August
2006

 

President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Insurance, Valuation and Compliance Committee (since February 2007); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Institute (policy organization) through November 2008; retired as Admiral in the U.S. Navy in January 2005 after serving over 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and Deputy Administrator — Naval Reactors in the National Nuclear Security Administration at the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004). Knighted as Honary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officer de l’Orde National du Mérite by the French Government.

 

161

 

Director of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA; member, BP America External Advisory Council (energy); member, National Academy of Engineers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Bozic (68)
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Counsel to the Independent Directors
1177 Avenue of the
Americas
New York, NY 10036

 

Director

 

Since
April
1994

 

Private investor; Chairperson of the Insurance, Valuation and Compliance Committee (since October 2006); Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since April 1994) and Institutional Funds (since July 2003); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Committee (July 2006-September 2006), Vice Chairman of Kmart Corporation (December 1998-October 2000), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Levitz Furniture Corporation (November 1995-November 1998) and President and Chief Executive Officer of Hills Department Stores (May 1991-July 1995); variously Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer (1987-1991) of the Sears Merchandise Group of Sears Roebuck & Co.

 

163

 

Director of various business organizations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kathleen A. Dennis (55)
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Counsel to the Independent Directors
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036

 

Director

 

Since
August
2006

 

President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management) (since July 2006); Chairperson of the Money Market and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (since October 2006) and Director or Trustee of various Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006).

 

161

 

Director of various non-profit organizations.

 

23



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

 

Independent Directors (cont’d):

 

Name, Age and Address of
Independent Director

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Length of
Time
Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Independent
Director**

 

Other Directorships Held by
Independent Directors

Dr. Manuel H. Johnson (60)
c/o Johnson Smick Group, Inc.
888 16th Street, N.W.
Suite 740
Washington, D.C. 20006

 

Director

 

Since
July
1991

 

Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Investment Committee (since October 2006) and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 1991) and Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Co-Chairman and a founder of the Group of Seven Council (G7C) (international economic commission); formerly, Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 1991-September 2006); Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury.

 

163

 

Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction); Director of Evergreen Energy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph J. Kearns (66)
c/o Kearns & Associates LLC
PMB754
23852 Pacific Coast
Highway
Malibu, CA 90265

 

Director

 

Since
August
1994

 

President, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee (since October 2006) and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 2003) and the Institutional Funds (since August 1994); formerly Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006) and Chairperson of the Audit Committee of the Institutional Funds (October 2001- July 2003); formerly, CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust.

 

164

 

Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing) and The Ford Family Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael F. Klein (50)
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Counsel to the Independent Directors
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036

 

Director

 

Since
August
2006

 

Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Aetos Capital, LLC (since March 2000) and Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LLC (since January 2004); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (since October 2006) and Director or Trustee of various Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management, President, Morgan Stanley Institutional Funds (June 1998-March 2000) and Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999).

 

161

 

Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Capital LLC; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael E. Nugent (72)
c/o Triumph Capital, L.P.
445 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

 

Chairperson of the Board and Director

 

Chairperson of the Boards since July 2006 and Director since July 1991

 

General Partner, Triumph Capital, L.P. (private investment partnership); Chairman of the Boards of the Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since July 2006); Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 1991) and Institutional Funds (since July 2001); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Committee (until July 2006).

 

163

 

None.

 

24



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

 

Independent Directors (cont’d):

 

Name, Age and Address of
Independent Director

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Length of
Time
Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Independent
Director**

 

Other Directorships Held by
Independent Directors

W. Allen Reed (61)†
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis &
Frankel LLP
Counsel to the
Independent Directors
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036

 

Director

 

Since
August
2006

 

Chairperson of the Equity Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (since October 2006) and Director or Trustee of various Retail and Institutional Funds (since August 2006); formerly, President and CEO of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (July 1994-December 2005).

 

161

 

Director of Temple-Inland Industries (packaging and forest products); Director of Legg Mason, Inc. and Director of the Auburn University Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fergus Reid (76)
c/o Lumelite Plastics
Corporation
85 Charles Coleman Blvd.
Pawling, NY 12564

 

Director

 

Since
June
1992

 

Chairman of Lumelite Plastics Corporation; Chairperson of the Governance Committee and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 2003) and Institutional Funds (since June 1992).

 

164

 

Trustee and Director of certain investment companies in the JPMorgan Funds complex managed by JP Morgan Investment Management Inc.

 

Interested Directors:

 

Name, Age and Address of
Interested Director

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Interested
Director**

 

Other Directorships Held by
Interested Director

James F. Higgins (61)
c/o Morgan Stanley Trust
Harborside Financial Center
Plaza Two
Jersey City, NJ 07311

 

Director

 

Since
June
2000

 

Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since June 2000) and Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Senior Advisor of Morgan Stanley (since August 2000).

 

162

 

Director of AXA Financial, Inc. and The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (financial services).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Retail Funds or Institutional Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

**

The Fund Complex includes all funds advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (“MSIM”) that have an investment advisor that is an affiliated entity of MSIM (including but not limited to, Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (“MSIA”) and Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP). The Retail Funds are those funds advised by MSIA. The Institutional Funds are certain U.S. registered funds advised by MSIM and Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP.

For the period September 26, 2008 through February 5, 2009 W. Allen Reed was an interested Director. At all other times covered by this report, Mr. Reed was an Independent Director.

 

25



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

 

Executive Officers:

 

Name, Age and Address of Executive Officer

 

Position(s) Held
with Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

Randy Takian (34)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

President and Principal Executive Officer

 

Since
September 2008

 

President and Principal Executive Officer (since September 2008) of funds in the Fund Complex; President and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc. (since September 2008). President of Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (since July 2008). Head of the Retail and Intermediary business within Morgan Stanley Investment Management (since July 2008). Head of Liquidity and Bank Trust business (since July 2008) and the Latin American franchise (since July 2008) at Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Managing Director, Director and/or Officer of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser. Formerly, Head of Strategy and Product Development for the Alternatives Group and Senior Loan Investment Management. Formerly with Bank of America (July 1996-March 2006), most recently as Head of the Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions team for Global Wealth and Investment Management.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin Klingert (46)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Vice President

 

Since
June 2008

 

Global Head, Chief Operating Officer and acting Chief Investment Officer of the Global Fixed Income Group of the Adviser and Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (since April 2008). Head of Global Liquidity Portfolio Management and co-Head of Liquidity Credit Research of Morgan Stanley Investment Management (since December 2007). Managing Director of the Adviser and Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (since December 2007). Previously, Managing Director on the Management Committee and head of Municipal Portfolio Management and Liquidity at BlackRock (October 1991 to January 2007).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amy R. Doberman (46)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Vice President

 

Since
July 2004

 

Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management (since July 2004); Vice President of the Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since July 2004); Vice President of the Van Kampen Funds (since August 2004); Secretary (since February 2006) and Managing Director (since July 2004) of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser. Formerly, Managing Director and General Counsel — Americas, UBS Global Asset Management (July 2000-July 2004).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carsten Otto (45)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

Since
October 2004

 

Managing Director and Global Head of Compliance for Morgan Stanley Investment Management (since April 2007) and Chief Compliance Officer of the Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since October 2004). Formerly, U.S. Director of Compliance (October 2004-April 2007) and Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel of the Retail Funds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stefanie V. Chang Yu (42)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Vice President

 

Since
December 1997

 

Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Vice President of the Retail Funds (since July 2002) and Institutional Funds (since December 1997). Formerly, Secretary of various entities affiliated with the Adviser.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary E. Mullin (41)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Secretary

 

Since
June 1999

 

Executive Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Secretary of the Retail Funds (since July 2003) and Institutional Funds (since June 1999).

 

26



 

 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

 

Executive Officers (cont’d):

 

Name, Age and Address of Executive Officer

 

Position(s) Held
with Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

James W. Garrett (40)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

Treasurer since February 2002 and Chief Financial Officer since July 2003

 

Head of Global Fund Administration; Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Institutional Funds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*                  This is the earliest date the Officer began serving the Retail Funds or Institutional Funds. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

 

In accordance with Section 303A. 12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, the Fund’s Annual CEO Certification certifying as to compliance with NYSE’s Corporate Governance Listing Standards was submitted to the Exchange on October 3, 2008.

 

The Fund’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 were filed with the Fund’s N-CSR and are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

27



 

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

Directors

Kevin Klingert

Michael E. Nugent

Vice President

 

 

Frank L. Bowman

Amy R. Doberman

 

Vice President

Michael Bozic

 

 

Stefanie V. Chang Yu

Kathleen A. Dennis

Vice President

 

 

James F. Higgins

James W. Garrett

 

Treasurer and Chief

Dr. Manuel H. Johnson

Financial Officer

 

 

Joseph J. Kearns

Carsten Otto

 

Chief Compliance Officer

Michael F. Klein

 

 

Mary E. Mullin

W. Allen Reed

Secretary

 

 

Fergus Reid

 

 

 

Officers

 

Michael E. Nugent

 

Chairman of the Board and
Director

 

 

 

Randy Takian

 

President and Principal

 

Executive Officer

 

 

 

Investment Adviser and Administrator

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

522 Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10036

 

Custodian

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

270 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

 

Stockholder Servicing Agent

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

250 Royall Street

Canton, Massachusetts 02021

 

Legal Counsel

Clifford Chance US LLP

31 West 52nd Street

New York, New York 10019-6131

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

 

For additional Fund information, including the Fund’s net asset value per share and information regarding the investments comprising the Fund’s portfolio, please call 1(800) 231-2608 or visit our website at www.morganstanley.com/msim. All investments involve risks, including the possible loss of principal.

 

© 2009 Morgan Stanley

 

CECAFANN  IU09-00628P-Y12/08

 



 

Item 2.  Code of Ethics.

 

(a)                                  The Fund has adopted a code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Fund or a third party.

 

(b)                                 No information need be disclosed pursuant to this paragraph.

 

(c)                                  Not applicable.

 

(d)                                 Not applicable.

 

(e)                                  Not applicable.

 

(f)

 

                                                (1)                                  The Fund’s Code of Ethics is attached hereto as Exhibit 12 A.

 

                                                (2)                                  Not applicable.

 

                                                (3)                                  Not applicable.

 

Item 3.  Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The Fund’s Board of Trustees has determined that Joseph J. Kearns, an “independent” Trustee, is an “audit committee financial expert” serving on its audit committee. Under applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an “expert” for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification.

 

Item 4.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a)(b)(c)(d) and (g).  Based on fees billed for the periods shown:

 

2008

 

 

 

Registrant

 

Covered Entities(1)

 

Audit Fees

 

$

66,600

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Audit Fees

 

 

 

 

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

$

 

 

$

742,276

(2)

Tax Fees

 

$

3,380

(3)

$

99,522

(4)

All Other Fees

 

$

 

 

$

246,887

(5)

Total Non-Audit Fees

 

$

3,380

 

$

1,088,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

69,980

 

$

1,088,685

 

 

2007

 

 

 

Registrant

 

Covered Entities(1)

 

Audit Fees

 

$

42,750

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Audit Fees

 

 

 

 

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

$

 

 

$

731,800

(2)

Tax Fees

 

$

3,100

(3)

$

104,020

(4)

All Other Fees

 

$

 

 

$

166,270

(5)

Total Non-Audit Fees

 

$

3,100

 

$

1,002,090

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

45,850

 

$

1,002,090

 

 


N/A- Not applicable, as not required by Item 4.

 

 

 

(1)

 

Covered Entities include the Adviser (excluding sub-advisors) and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant.

 

 

 

(2)

 

Audit-Related Fees represent assurance and related services provided that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the financial statements of the Covered Entities and funds advised by the Adviser or its affiliates, specifically attestation services provided in connection with a SAS 70 Report and advisory consulting work.

 

 

 

(3)

 

Tax Fees represent tax advice and compliance services provided in connection with the review of the Registrant’s tax returns.

 

 

 

(4)

 

Tax Fees represent tax advice services provided to Covered Entities, including research and identification of PFIC entities.

 

 

 

(5)

 

All Other Fees represent attestation services provided in connection with performance presentation standards and a compliance review project performed

 

1



 

(e)(1) The audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures are as follows:

 

APPENDIX A

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES

PRE-APPROVAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES

OF THE

MORGAN STANLEY RETAIL AND INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS

 

AS ADOPTED AND AMENDED JULY 23, 2004,(1)

 

1.              Statement of Principles

 

The Audit Committee of the Board is required to review and, in its sole discretion, pre-approve all Covered Services to be provided by the Independent Auditors to the Fund and Covered Entities in order to assure that services performed by the Independent Auditors do not impair the auditor’s independence from the Fund.

 

The SEC has issued rules specifying the types of services that an independent auditor may not provide to its audit client, as well as the audit committee’s administration of the engagement of the independent auditor.  The SEC’s rules establish two different approaches to pre-approving services, which the SEC considers to be equally valid.  Proposed services either: may be pre-approved without consideration of specific case-by-case services by the Audit Committee (“general pre-approval”); or require the specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee or its delegate (“specific pre-approval”).  The Audit Committee believes that the combination of these two approaches in this Policy will result in an effective and efficient procedure to pre-approve services performed by the Independent Auditors.  As set forth in this Policy, unless a type of service has received general pre-approval, it will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to which pre-approval authority has been delegated) if it is to be provided by the Independent Auditors.  Any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels or budgeted amounts will also require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.

 

The appendices to this Policy describe the Audit, Audit-related, Tax and All Other services that have the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee.  The term of any general pre-approval is 12 months from the date of pre-approval, unless the Audit Committee considers and provides a different period and states otherwise.  The Audit Committee will annually review and pre-approve the services that may be provided by the Independent Auditors without obtaining specific pre-approval from the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee will add to or subtract from the list of general pre-approved services from time to time, based on subsequent determinations.

 


(1)                                  This Audit Committee Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy and Procedures (the “Policy”), adopted as of the date above, supersedes and replaces all prior versions that may have been adopted from time to time.

 

2



 

The purpose of this Policy is to set forth the policy and procedures by which the Audit Committee intends to fulfill its responsibilities.  It does not delegate the Audit Committee’s responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the Independent Auditors to management.

 

The Fund’s Independent Auditors have reviewed this Policy and believes that implementation of the Policy will not adversely affect the Independent Auditors’ independence.

 

2.              Delegation

 

As provided in the Act and the SEC’s rules, the Audit Committee may delegate either type of pre-approval authority to one or more of its members.  The member to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

3.              Audit Services

 

The annual Audit services engagement terms and fees are subject to the specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee.  Audit services include the annual financial statement audit and other procedures required to be performed by the Independent Auditors to be able to form an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements.  These other procedures include information systems and procedural reviews and testing performed in order to understand and place reliance on the systems of internal control, and consultations relating to the audit.  The Audit Committee will approve, if necessary, any changes in terms, conditions and fees resulting from changes in audit scope, Fund structure or other items.

 

In addition to the annual Audit services engagement approved by the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee may grant general pre-approval to other Audit services, which are those services that only the Independent Auditors reasonably can provide.  Other Audit services may include statutory audits and services associated with SEC registration statements (on Forms N-1A, N-2, N-3, N-4, etc.), periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other documents issued in connection with securities offerings.

 

The Audit Committee has pre-approved the Audit services in Appendix B.1.  All other Audit services not listed in Appendix B.1 must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to which pre-approval has been delegated).

 

4.              Audit-related Services

 

Audit-related services are assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Fund’s financial statements and, to the extent they are Covered Services, the Covered Entities or that are traditionally performed by the Independent Auditors.  Because the Audit Committee believes that the provision of Audit-related services does not impair the independence of the auditor and is consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence, the Audit Committee may grant general pre-approval to Audit-related services.  Audit-related services include, among others, accounting consultations related to accounting, financial reporting or disclosure matters

 

3



 

not classified as “Audit services”; assistance with understanding and implementing new accounting and financial reporting guidance from rulemaking authorities; agreed-upon or expanded audit procedures related to accounting and/or billing records required to respond to or comply with financial, accounting or regulatory reporting matters; and assistance with internal control reporting requirements under Forms N-SAR and/or N-CSR.

 

The Audit Committee has pre-approved the Audit-related services in Appendix B.2.  All other Audit-related services not listed in Appendix B.2 must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to which pre-approval has been delegated).

 

5.              Tax Services

 

The Audit Committee believes that the Independent Auditors can provide Tax services to the Fund and, to the extent they are Covered Services, the Covered Entities, such as tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice without impairing the auditor’s independence, and the SEC has stated that the Independent Auditors may provide such services.

 

Pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the Audit Committee has pre-approved the Tax Services in Appendix B.3.  All Tax services in Appendix B.3 must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to which pre-approval has been delegated).

 

6.              All Other Services

 

The Audit Committee believes, based on the SEC’s rules prohibiting the Independent Auditors from providing specific non-audit services, that other types of non-audit services are permitted.  Accordingly, the Audit Committee believes it may grant general pre-approval to those permissible non-audit services classified as All Other services that it believes are routine and recurring services, would not impair the independence of the auditor and are consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.

 

The Audit Committee has pre-approved the All Other services in Appendix B.4.  Permissible All Other services not listed in Appendix B.4 must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to which pre-approval has been delegated).

 

7.              Pre-Approval Fee Levels or Budgeted Amounts

 

Pre-approval fee levels or budgeted amounts for all services to be provided by the Independent Auditors will be established annually by the Audit Committee.  Any proposed services exceeding these levels or amounts will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee is mindful of the overall relationship of fees for audit and non-audit services in determining whether to pre-approve any such services.

 

8.              Procedures

 

All requests or applications for services to be provided by the Independent Auditors that do not require specific approval by the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer and must include a detailed description of the services to be

 

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rendered.  The Fund’s Chief Financial Officer will determine whether such services are included within the list of services that have received the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee will be informed on a timely basis of any such services rendered by the Independent Auditors.  Requests or applications to provide services that require specific approval by the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Audit Committee by both the Independent Auditors and the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer, and must include a joint statement as to whether, in their view, the request or application is consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.

 

The Audit Committee has designated the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer to monitor the performance of all services provided by the Independent Auditors and to determine whether such services are in compliance with this Policy.  The Fund’s Chief Financial Officer will report to the Audit Committee on a periodic basis on the results of its monitoring.  Both the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer and management will immediately report to the chairman of the Audit Committee any breach of this Policy that comes to the attention of the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer or any member of management.

 

9.              Additional Requirements

 

The Audit Committee has determined to take additional measures on an annual basis to meet its responsibility to oversee the work of the Independent Auditors and to assure the auditor’s independence from the Fund, such as reviewing a formal written statement from the Independent Auditors delineating all relationships between the Independent Auditors and the Fund, consistent with Independence Standards Board No. 1, and discussing with the Independent Auditors its methods and procedures for ensuring independence.

 

10.       Covered Entities

 

Covered Entities include the Fund’s investment adviser(s) and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Fund’s investment adviser(s) that provides ongoing services to the Fund(s).  Beginning with non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the Fund’s audit committee must pre-approve non-audit services provided not only to the Fund but also to the Covered Entities if the engagements relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund.  This list of Covered Entities would include:

 

Morgan Stanley Retail Funds

Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc.

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

Morgan Stanley DW Inc.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited

Morgan Stanley Asset & Investment Trust Management Co., Limited

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company

Van Kampen Asset Management

Morgan Stanley Services Company, Inc.

Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc.

Morgan Stanley Trust FSB

 

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Morgan Stanley Institutional Funds

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited

Morgan Stanley Asset & Investment Trust Management Co., Limited

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.

Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP

Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners LP

 

(e)(2)  Beginning with non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the audit committee also is required to pre-approve services to Covered Entities to the extent that the services are determined to have a direct impact on the operations or financial reporting of the Registrant. 100% of such services were pre-approved by the audit committee pursuant to the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures (attached hereto).

 

(f)     Not applicable.

 

(g)    See table above.

 

(h)    The audit committee of the Board of Trustees has considered whether the provision of services other than audit services performed by the auditors to the Registrant and Covered Entities is compatible with maintaining the auditors’ independence in performing audit services.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

(a) The Fund has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act whose members are: Frank Joseph Kearns, Michael Nugent and Allen Reed.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments

 

(a) Refer to Item 1.

 

(b) Not used.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

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APPROVED FEBRUARY 28, 2008

 

MORGAN STANLEY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

 

I.                                         POLICY STATEMENT

 

Introduction - Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s (“MSIM”) policy and procedures for voting proxies (“Policy”) with respect to securities held in the accounts of clients applies to those MSIM entities that provide discretionary investment management services and for which an MSIM entity has authority to vote proxies.  This Policy is reviewed and updated as necessary to address new and evolving proxy voting issues and standards.

 

The MSIM entities covered by this Policy currently include the following: Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc., Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company, Morgan Stanley Asset & Investment Trust Management Co., Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited, Van Kampen Asset Management, and Van Kampen Advisors Inc. (each an “MSIM Affiliate” and collectively referred to as the “MSIM Affiliates” or as “we” below).

 

Each MSIM Affiliate will use its best efforts to vote proxies as part of its authority to manage, acquire and dispose of account assets. With respect to the MSIM registered management investment companies (Van Kampen, Institutional and Advisor Funds—collectively referred to herein as the “MSIM Funds”), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under its applicable investment advisory agreement or, in the absence of such authority, as authorized by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the MSIM Funds. An MSIM Affiliate will not vote proxies if the “named fiduciary” for an ERISA account has reserved the authority for itself, or in the case of an account not governed by ERISA, the investment management or investment advisory agreement does not authorize the MSIM Affiliate to vote proxies.  MSIM Affiliates will vote proxies in a prudent and diligent manner and in the best interests of clients, including beneficiaries of and participants in a client’s benefit plan(s) for which the MSIM Affiliates manage assets, consistent with the objective of maximizing long-term investment returns (“Client Proxy Standard”).  In certain situations, a client or its fiduciary may provide an MSIM Affiliate with a proxy voting policy.  In these situations, the MSIM Affiliate will comply with the client’s policy.

 

Proxy Research Services - RiskMetrics Group ISS Governance Services (“ISS”) and Glass Lewis (together with other proxy research providers as we may retain from time to time, the “Research Providers”) are independent advisers that specialize in providing a variety of fiduciary-level proxy-related services to institutional investment managers, plan sponsors, custodians, consultants, and other institutional investors.  The services provided include in-depth research, global issuer analysis, and voting recommendations. While we may review and utilize the recommendations of the Research Providers in

 

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making proxy voting decisions, we are in no way obligated to follow such recommendations. In addition to research, ISS provides vote execution, reporting, and recordkeeping.

 

Voting Proxies for Certain Non-U.S. Companies - Voting proxies of companies located in some jurisdictions, particularly emerging markets, may involve several problems that can restrict or prevent the ability to vote such proxies or entail significant costs.  These problems include, but are not limited to:  (i) proxy statements and ballots being written in a language other than English; (ii) untimely and/or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings; (iii) restrictions on the ability of holders outside the issuer’s jurisdiction of organization to exercise votes; (iv) requirements to vote proxies in person; (v) the imposition of restrictions on the sale of the securities for a period of time in proximity to the shareholder meeting; and (vi) requirements to provide local agents with power of attorney to facilitate our voting instructions.  As a result, we vote clients’ non-U.S. proxies on a best efforts basis only, after weighing the costs and benefits of voting such proxies, consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.  ISS has been retained to provide assistance in connection with voting non-U.S. proxies.

 

II.                                     GENERAL PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

 

To promote consistency in voting proxies on behalf of its clients, we follow this Policy (subject to any exception set forth herein), including the guidelines set forth below.  These guidelines address a broad range of issues, and provide general voting parameters on proposals that arise most frequently.  However, details of specific proposals vary, and those details affect particular voting decisions, as do factors specific to a given company. Pursuant to the procedures set forth herein, we may vote in a manner that is not in accordance with the following general guidelines, provided the vote is approved by the Proxy Review Committee (see Section III for description) and is consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.  Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP will follow the procedures as described in Appendix A.

 

We endeavor to integrate governance and proxy voting policy with investment goals and to follow the Client Proxy Standard for each client. At times, this may result in split votes, for example when different clients have varying economic interests in the outcome of a particular voting matter (such as a case in which varied ownership interests in two companies involved in a merger result in different stakes in the outcome).  We also may split votes at times based on differing views of portfolio managers, but such a split vote must be approved by the Proxy Review Committee.

 

We may abstain on matters for which disclosure is inadequate.

 

A.                                    Routine Matters.           We generally support routine management proposals.  The following are examples of routine management proposals:

 

·                  Approval of financial statements and auditor reports.

 

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·                  General updating/corrective amendments to the charter, articles of association or bylaws.

 

·                  Most proposals related to the conduct of the annual meeting, with the following exceptions.  We generally oppose proposals that relate to “the transaction of such other business which may come before the meeting,” and open-ended requests for adjournment.  However, where management specifically states the reason for requesting an adjournment and the requested adjournment would facilitate passage of a proposal that would otherwise be supported under this Policy (i.e. an uncontested corporate transaction), the adjournment request will be supported.

 

We generally support shareholder proposals advocating confidential voting procedures and independent tabulation of voting results.

 

B.                                    Board of Directors

 

1.               Election of directors: In the absence of a proxy contest, we generally support the board’s nominees for director except as follows:

 

a.               We consider withholding support from or voting against interested directors if the company’s board does not meet market standards for director independence, or if otherwise we believe board independence is insufficient.  We refer to prevalent market standards as promulgated by a stock exchange or other authority within a given market (e.g., New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq rules for most U.S. companies, and The Combined Code on Corporate Governance in the United Kingdom). Thus, for an NYSE company with no controlling shareholder, we would expect that at a minimum a majority of directors should be independent as defined by NYSE.  Where we view market standards as inadequate, we may withhold votes based on stronger independence standards. Market standards notwithstanding, we generally do not view long board tenure alone as a basis to classify a director as non-independent, although lack of board turnover and fresh perspective can be a negative factor in voting on directors.

 

i.                  At a company with a shareholder or group that controls the company by virtue of a majority economic interest in the company, we have a reduced expectation for board independence, although we believe the presence of independent directors can be helpful, particularly in staffing the audit committee, and at times we may withhold support from or vote against a nominee on the view the board or its committees are not sufficiently independent.

 

ii.               We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if he or she is affiliated with a major shareholder that has representation on a board disproportionate to its economic interest.

 

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b.              Depending on market standards, we consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who is interested and who is standing for election as a member of the company’s compensation, nominating or audit committee.

 

c.               We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if we believe a direct conflict exists between the interests of the nominee and the public shareholders, including failure to meet fiduciary standards of care and/or loyalty.  We may oppose directors where we conclude that actions of directors are unlawful, unethical or negligent.  We consider opposing individual board members or an entire slate if we believe the board is entrenched and/or dealing inadequately with performance problems, and/or acting with insufficient independence between the board and management.

 

d.              We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee standing for election if the board has not taken action to implement generally accepted governance practices for which there is a “bright line” test.  For example, in the context of the U.S. market, failure to eliminate a dead hand or slow hand poison pills would be seen as a basis for opposing one or more incumbent nominees.

 

e.               In markets that encourage designated audit committee financial experts, we consider voting against members of an audit committee if no members are designated as such.

 

f.                 We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who has failed to attend at least 75% of board meetings within a given year without a reasonable excuse.

 

g.              We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who serves on the board of directors of more than six companies (excluding investment companies).  We also consider voting against a director who otherwise appears to have too many commitments to serve adequately on the board of the company.

 

2.                 Board independence:  We generally support U.S. shareholder proposals requiring that a certain percentage (up to 662/3%) of the company’s board members be independent directors, and promoting all-independent audit, compensation and nominating/governance committees.

 

3.                 Board diversity:  We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals urging diversity of board membership with respect to social, religious or ethnic group.

 

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4.                 Majority voting:  We generally support proposals requesting or requiring majority voting policies in election of directors, so long as there is a carve-out for plurality voting in the case of contested elections.

 

5.                 Proxy access:  We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to provide procedures for inclusion of shareholder nominees in company proxy statements.

 

6.                 Proposals to elect all directors annually:  We generally support proposals to elect all directors annually at public companies (to “declassify” the Board of Directors) where such action is supported by the board, and otherwise consider the issue on a case-by-case basis based in part on overall takeover defenses at a company.

 

7.                 Cumulative voting:  We generally support proposals to eliminate cumulative voting in the U.S. market context. (Cumulative voting provides that shareholders may concentrate their votes for one or a handful of candidates, a system that can enable a minority bloc to place representation on a board).  U.S. proposals to establish cumulative voting in the election of directors generally will not be supported.

 

8.                 Separation of Chairman and CEO positions:  We vote on shareholder proposals to separate the Chairman and CEO positions and/or to appoint a non-executive Chairman based in part on prevailing practice in particular markets, since the context for such a practice varies.  In many non-U.S. markets, we view separation of the roles as a market standard practice, and support division of the roles in that context.

 

9.                 Director retirement age and term limits:  Proposals recommending set director retirement ages or director term limits are voted on a case-by-case basis.

 

10.           Proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or broaden indemnification of directors.  Generally, we will support such proposals provided that the officers and directors are eligible for indemnification and liability protection if they have acted in good faith on company business and were found innocent of any civil or criminal charges for duties performed on behalf of the company.

 

C.                                    Corporate transactions and proxy fights.  We examine proposals relating to mergers, acquisitions and other special corporate transactions (i.e., takeovers, spin-offs, sales of assets, reorganizations, restructurings and recapitalizations) on a case-by-case basis.  However, proposals for mergers or other significant transactions that are friendly and approved by the Research Providers generally will be supported and in those instances will not need to be reviewed by the Proxy Review Committee, where there is no portfolio manager objection and where there is no material conflict of interest.  We also analyze proxy contests on a case-by-case basis.

 

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D.                                    Changes in capital structure.

 

1.               We generally support the following:

 

·                  Management and shareholder proposals aimed at eliminating unequal voting rights, assuming fair economic treatment of classes of shares we hold.

 

·                  Management proposals to increase the authorization of existing classes of common stock (or securities convertible into common stock) if: (i) a clear business purpose is stated that we can support and the number of shares requested is reasonable in relation to the purpose for which authorization is requested; and/or (ii) the authorization does not exceed 100% of shares currently authorized and at least 30% of the total new authorization will be outstanding.

 

·                  Management proposals to create a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50% of issued capital, unless we have concerns about use of the authority for anti-takeover purposes.

 

·                  Management proposals to authorize share repurchase plans, except in some cases in which we believe there are insufficient protections against use of an authorization for anti-takeover purposes.

 

·                  Management proposals to reduce the number of authorized shares of common or preferred stock, or to eliminate classes of preferred stock.

 

·                  Management proposals to effect stock splits.

 

·                  Management proposals to effect reverse stock splits if management proportionately reduces the authorized share amount set forth in the corporate charter.  Reverse stock splits that do not adjust proportionately to the authorized share amount generally will be approved if the resulting increase in authorized shares coincides with the proxy guidelines set forth above for common stock increases.

 

·                  Management proposals for higher dividend payouts.

 

2.               We generally oppose the following (notwithstanding management support):

 

·                  Proposals to add classes of stock that would substantially dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.

 

·                  Proposals to increase the authorized or issued number of shares of existing classes of stock that are unreasonably dilutive, particularly if there are no preemptive rights for existing shareholders.

 

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·                  Proposals that authorize share issuance at a discount to market rates, except where authority for such issuance is de minimis, or if there is a special situation that we believe justifies such authorization (as may be the case, for example, at a company under severe stress and risk of bankruptcy).

 

·                  Proposals relating to changes in capitalization by 100% or more.

 

We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to increase dividend payout ratios, in light of market practice and perceived market weaknesses, as well as individual company payout history and current circumstances.  For example, currently we perceive low payouts to shareholders as a concern at some Japanese companies, but may deem a low payout ratio as appropriate for a growth company making good use of its cash, notwithstanding the broader market concern.

 

E.                                      Takeover Defenses and Shareholder Rights

 

1.               Shareholder rights plans:  We generally support proposals to require shareholder approval or ratification of shareholder rights plans (poison pills).  In voting on rights plans or similar takeover defenses, we consider on a case-by-case basis whether the company has demonstrated a need for the defense in the context of promoting long-term share value; whether provisions of the defense are in line with generally accepted governance principles; and the specific context if the proposal is made in the midst of a takeover bid or contest for control.

 

2.               Supermajority voting requirements: We generally oppose requirements for supermajority votes to amend the charter or bylaws, unless the provisions protect minority shareholders where there is a large shareholder.  In line with this view, in the absence of a large shareholder we support reasonable shareholder proposals to limit such supermajority voting requirements.

 

3.               Shareholder rights to call meetings:  We consider proposals to enhance shareholder rights to call meetings on a case-by-case basis.

 

4.               Reincorporation: We consider management and shareholder proposals to reincorporate to a different jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis.  We oppose such proposals if we believe the main purpose is to take advantage of laws or judicial precedents that reduce shareholder rights.

 

5.               Anti-greenmail provisions: Proposals relating to the adoption of anti-greenmail provisions will be supported, provided that the proposal: (i) defines greenmail; (ii) prohibits buyback offers to large block holders (holders of at least 1% of the outstanding shares and in certain cases, a greater amount, as determined by the Proxy Review Committee) not made to all shareholders or not approved by disinterested shareholders; and (iii) contains no anti-takeover measures or other provisions restricting the rights of shareholders.

 

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6.               Bundled proposals:  We may consider opposing or abstaining on proposals if disparate issues are “bundled” and presented for a single vote.

 

F.                                      Auditors.   We generally support management proposals for selection or ratification of independent auditors.  However, we may consider opposing such proposals with reference to incumbent audit firms if the company has suffered from serious accounting irregularities and we believe rotation of the audit firm is appropriate, or if fees paid to the auditor for non-audit-related services are excessive.  Generally, to determine if non-audit fees are excessive, a 50% test will be applied (i.e., non-audit-related fees should be less than 50% of the total fees paid to the auditor). We generally vote against proposals to indemnify auditors.

 

G.                                    Executive and Director Remuneration.

 

1.               We generally support the following proposals:

 

·                  Proposals for employee equity compensation plans and other employee ownership plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest.  Such approval may be against shareholder interest if it authorizes excessive dilution and shareholder cost, particularly in the context of high usage (“run rate”) of equity compensation in the recent past; or if there are objectionable plan design and provisions.

 

·                  Proposals relating to fees to outside directors, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry, and provided that the structure is appropriate within the market context.  While stock-based compensation to outside directors is positive if moderate and appropriately structured, we are wary of significant stock option awards or other performance-based awards for outside directors, as well as provisions that could result in significant forfeiture of value on a director’s decision to resign from a board (such forfeiture can undercut director independence).

 

·                  Proposals for employee stock purchase plans that permit discounts up to 15%, but only for grants that are part of a broad-based employee plan, including all non-executive employees.

 

·                  Proposals for the establishment of employee retirement and severance plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest.

 

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2.               Shareholder proposals requiring shareholder approval of all severance agreements will not be supported, but proposals that require shareholder approval for agreements in excess of three times the annual compensation (salary and bonus) generally will be supported. We generally oppose shareholder proposals that would establish arbitrary caps on pay.  We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals that seek to limit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs), but support such proposals where we consider SERPs to be excessive.

 

3.               Shareholder proposals advocating stronger and/or particular pay-for-performance models will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of the merits of the individual proposal within the context of the particular company and its labor markets, and the company’s current and past practices.  While we generally support emphasis on long-term components of senior executive pay and strong linkage of pay to performance, we consider whether a proposal may be overly prescriptive, and the impact of the proposal, if implemented as written, on recruitment and retention.

 

4.               We consider shareholder proposals for U.K.-style advisory votes on pay on a case-by-case basis.

 

5.               We generally support proposals advocating reasonable senior executive and director stock ownership guidelines and holding requirements for shares gained in option exercises.

 

6.               Management proposals effectively to re-price stock options are considered on a case-by-case basis.  Considerations include the company’s reasons and justifications for a re-pricing, the company’s competitive position, whether senior executives and outside directors are excluded, potential cost to shareholders, whether the re-pricing or share exchange is on a value-for-value basis, and whether vesting requirements are extended.

 

H.                                    Social, Political and Environmental Issues.  We consider proposals relating to social, political and environmental issues on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they will have a financial impact on shareholder value. However, we generally vote against proposals requesting reports that are duplicative, related to matters not material to the business, or that would impose unnecessary or excessive costs. We may abstain from voting on proposals that do not have a readily determinable financial impact on shareholder value. We generally oppose proposals requiring adherence to workplace standards that are not required or customary in market(s) to which the proposals relate.

 

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I.                                         Fund of Funds.  Certain Funds advised by an MSIM Affiliate invest only in other MSIM Funds.  If an underlying fund has a shareholder meeting, in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest, such proposals will be voted in the same proportion as the votes of the other shareholders of the underlying fund, unless otherwise determined by the Proxy Review Committee.

 

III.                                 ADMINISTRATION OF POLICY

 

The MSIM Proxy Review Committee (the “Committee”) has overall responsibility for creating and implementing the Policy, working with an MSIM staff group (the “Corporate Governance Team”).  The Committee, which is appointed by MSIM’s Chief Investment Officer of Global Equities (“CIO”), consists of senior investment professionals who represent the different investment disciplines and geographic locations of the firm.  Because proxy voting is an investment responsibility and impacts shareholder value, and because of their knowledge of companies and markets, portfolio managers and other members of investment staff play a key role in proxy voting, although the Committee has final authority over proxy votes.

 

The Committee Chairperson is the head of the Corporate Governance Team, and is responsible for identifying issues that require Committee deliberation or ratification. The Corporate Governance Team, working with advice of investment teams and the Committee, is responsible for voting on routine items and on matters that can be addressed in line with these Policy guidelines.  The Corporate Governance Team has responsibility for voting case-by-case where guidelines and precedent provide adequate guidance, and to refer other case-by-case decisions to the Proxy Review Committee.

 

The Committee will periodically review and have the authority to amend, as necessary, the Policy and establish and direct voting positions consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.

 

A.                                    Committee Procedures

 

The Committee will meet at least monthly to (among other matters) address any outstanding issues relating to the Policy or its implementation. The Corporate Governance Team will timely communicate to ISS MSIM’s Policy (and any amendments and/or any additional guidelines or procedures the Committee may adopt).

 

The Committee will meet on an ad hoc basis to (among other matters): (1) authorize “split voting” (i.e., allowing certain shares of the same issuer that are the subject of the same proxy solicitation and held by one or more MSIM portfolios to be voted differently than other shares) and/or “override voting” (i.e., voting all MSIM portfolio shares in a manner contrary to the Policy); (2) review and approve upcoming votes, as appropriate, for matters for which specific direction has been provided in this Policy; and (3)  determine how to vote matters for which specific direction has not been provided in this Policy.

 

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Members of the Committee may take into account Research Providers’ recommendations and research as well as any other relevant information they may request or receive, including portfolio manager and/or analyst research, as applicable.  Generally, proxies related to securities held in accounts that are managed pursuant to quantitative, index or index-like strategies (“Index Strategies”) will be voted in the same manner as those held in actively managed accounts, unless economic interests of the accounts differ.  Because accounts managed using Index Strategies are passively managed accounts, research from portfolio managers and/or analysts related to securities held in these accounts may not be available.  If the affected securities are held only in accounts that are managed pursuant to Index Strategies, and the proxy relates to a matter that is not described in this Policy, the Committee will consider all available information from the Research Providers, and to the extent that the holdings are significant, from the portfolio managers and/or analysts.

 

B.                                    Material Conflicts of Interest

 

In addition to the procedures discussed above, if the Committee determines that an issue raises a material conflict of interest, the Committee will request a special committee to review, and recommend a course of action with respect to, the conflict(s) in question (“Special Committee”).

 

The Special Committee shall be comprised of the Chairperson of the Proxy Review Committee, the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee, a senior portfolio manager (if practicable, one who is a member of the Proxy Review Committee) designated by the Proxy Review Committee, and MSIM’s relevant Chief Investment Officer or his/her designee, and any other persons deemed necessary by the Chairperson. The Special Committee may request the assistance of MSIM’s General Counsel or his/her designee who will have sole discretion to cast a vote.  In addition to the research provided by Research Providers, the Special Committee may request analysis from MSIM Affiliate investment professionals and outside sources to the extent it deems appropriate.

 

C.                                    Identification of Material Conflicts of Interest

 

A potential material conflict of interest could exist in the following situations, among others:

 

1.               The issuer soliciting the vote is a client of MSIM or an affiliate of MSIM and the vote is on a material matter affecting the issuer.

 

2.               The proxy relates to Morgan Stanley common stock or any other security issued by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates except if echo voting is used, as with MSIM Funds, as described herein.

 

3.               Morgan Stanley has a material pecuniary interest in the matter submitted for a vote (e.g., acting as a financial advisor to a party to a merger or acquisition for which Morgan Stanley will be paid a success fee if completed).

 

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If the Chairperson of the Committee determines that an issue raises a potential material conflict of interest, depending on the facts and circumstances, the Chairperson will address the issue as follows:

 

1.               If the matter relates to a topic that is discussed in this Policy, the proposal will be voted as per the Policy.

 

2.               If the matter is not discussed in this Policy or the Policy indicates that the issue is to be decided case-by-case, the proposal will be voted in a manner consistent with the Research Providers, provided that all the Research Providers have the same recommendation, no portfolio manager objects to that vote, and the vote is consistent with MSIM’s Client Proxy Standard.

 

3.               If the Research Providers’ recommendations differ, the Chairperson will refer the matter to the Committee to vote on the proposal.  If the Committee determines that an issue raises a material conflict of interest, the Committee will request a Special Committee to review and recommend a course of action, as described above.  Notwithstanding the above, the Chairperson of the Committee may request a Special Committee to review a matter at any time as he/she deems necessary to resolve a conflict.

 

D.                                    Proxy Voting Reporting

 

The Committee and the Special Committee, or their designee(s), will document in writing all of their decisions and actions, which documentation will be maintained by the Committee and the Special Committee, or their designee(s), for a period of at least 6 years.  To the extent these decisions relate to a security held by an MSIM Fund, the Committee and Special Committee, or their designee(s), will report their decisions to each applicable Board of Trustees/Directors of those Funds at each Board’s next regularly scheduled Board meeting. The report will contain information concerning decisions made by the Committee and Special Committee during the most recently ended calendar quarter immediately preceding the Board meeting.

 

The Corporate Governance Team will timely communicate to applicable portfolio managers and to ISS, decisions of the Committee and Special Committee so that, among other things, ISS will vote proxies consistent with their decisions.

 

MSIM will promptly provide a copy of this Policy to any client requesting it. MSIM will also, upon client request, promptly provide a report indicating how each proxy was voted with respect to securities held in that client’s account.

 

MSIM’s Legal Department is responsible for filing an annual Form N-PX on behalf of each MSIM Fund for which such filing is required, indicating how all proxies were voted with respect to such Fund’s holdings.

 

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APPENDIX A

 

The following procedures apply to accounts managed by Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP (“AIP”).

 

Generally, AIP will follow the guidelines set forth in Section II of MSIM’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures.  To the extent that such guidelines do not provide specific direction, or AIP determines that consistent with the Client Proxy Standard, the guidelines should not be followed, the Proxy Review Committee has delegated the voting authority to vote securities held by accounts managed by AIP to the Liquid Markets investment team and the Private Markets investment team of AIP.  A summary of decisions made by the investment teams will be made available to the Proxy Review Committee for its information at the next scheduled meeting of the Proxy Review Committee.

 

In certain cases, AIP may determine to abstain from determining (or recommending) how a proxy should be voted (and therefore abstain from voting such proxy or recommending how such proxy should be voted), such as where the expected cost of giving due consideration to the proxy does not justify the potential benefits to the affected account(s) that might result from adopting or rejecting (as the case may be) the measure in question.

 

Waiver of Voting Rights

 

For regulatory reasons, AIP may either 1) invest in a class of securities of an underlying fund (the “Fund”) that does not provide for voting rights; or 2) waive 100% of its voting rights with respect to the following:

 

1.               Any rights with respect to the removal or replacement of a director, general partner, managing member or other person acting in a similar capacity for or on behalf of the Fund (each individually a “Designated Person,” and collectively, the “Designated Persons”), which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the election or removal of a Designated Person in the event of such Designated Person’s death, disability, insolvency, bankruptcy, incapacity, or other event requiring a vote of interest holders of the Fund to remove or replace a Designated Person; and

 

2.               Any rights in connection with a determination to renew, dissolve, liquidate, or otherwise terminate or continue the Fund, which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the renewal, dissolution, liquidation, termination or continuance of the Fund upon the occurrence of an event described in the Fund’s organizational documents; provided, however, that, if the Fund’s organizational documents require the consent of the Fund’s general partner or manager, as the case may be, for any such termination or continuation of the Fund to be effective, then  AIP  may exercise  its voting rights with respect to such matter.

 

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APPENDIX B

 

The following procedures apply to the portion of the Van Kampen Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund (“VK Fund”) sub advised by Avenue Europe International Management, L.P. (“Avenue”).  (The portion of the VK Fund managed solely by Van Kampen Asset Management will continue to be subject to MSIM’s Policy.)

 

1.                                       Generally:  With respect to Avenue’s portion of the VK Fund, the Board of Trustees of the VK Fund will retain sole authority and responsibility for proxy voting.  The Adviser’s involvement in the voting process of Avenue’s portion of the VK Fund is a purely administrative function, and serves to execute and deliver the proxy voting decisions made by the VK Fund Board in connection with the Avenue portion of the VK Fund, which may, from time to time, include related administrative tasks such as receiving proxies, following up on missing proxies, and collecting data related to proxies.  As such, the Adviser shall not be deemed to have voting power or shared voting power with Avenue with respect to Avenue’s portion of the Fund.

 

2.                                       Voting Guidelines:  All proxies, with respect to Avenue’s portion of the VK Fund, will be considered by the VK Fund Board or such subcommittee as the VK Fund Board may designate from time to time for determination and voting approval.  The VK Board or its subcommittee will timely communicate to MSIM’s Corporate Governance Group its proxy voting decisions, so that among other things the votes will be effected consistent with the VK Board’s authority.

 

3.                                       Administration:  The VK Board or its subcommittee will meet on an adhoc basis as may be required from time to time to review proxies that require its review and determination.  The VK Board or its subcommittee will document in writing all of its decisions and actions which will be maintained by the VK Fund, or its designee(s), for a period of at least 6 years.  If a subcommittee is designated, a summary of decisions made by such subcommittee will be made available to the full VK Board for its information at its next scheduled respective meetings.

 

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Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

FUND MANAGEMENT

 

The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Equity team.  The team consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of the team jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio are James Cheng and Homiyar Vasania, each a Managing Director of the Sub-Adviser.  Mr. Cheng has been associated with the Sub-Adviser in an investment management capacity since July 2006 and joined the team managing the Fund at its inception in September 2006.  Prior to July 2006, Mr. Cheng worked in an investment management capacity at Invesco Asia Limited, Asia Strategic Investment Management Limited and Munich Re Asia Capital Management.  Mr. Vasania has been associated with the Sub-Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2000 and began managing the Fund at its inception in September 2006.

 

The composition of the team may change without notice from time to time.

 

OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

The following information is as of December 31, 2008.

 

Mr. Cheng managed eight registered investment companies with a total of approximately $3 billion in assets; one pooled investment vehicle other than registered investment companies with a total of approximately $3.3 million in assets; and five other accounts  with a total of approximately $3.9 billion in assets.  Of these other accounts, one account with a total of approximately $300 million in assets had performance based fees.

 

Mr. Vasania managed two registered investment company with a total of approximately $274 million in assets; one pooled investment vehicle other than registered investment companies with a total of approximately $3.3 million in assets; and no other accounts.

 

Because the portfolio managers manage assets for other investment companies, pooled investment vehicles, and/or other accounts (including institutional clients, pension plans and certain high net worth individuals), there may be an incentive to favor one client over another resulting in conflicts of interest. For instance, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Fund, or it may receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. In those instances, the portfolio managers may have an incentive to favor the higher and/or performance-based fee accounts over the Fund.  In addition, a conflict of interest could exist to the extent the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser has proprietary investments in certain accounts, where portfolio managers have personal investments in certain accounts or when certain accounts are investment options in the Adviser’s and/or Sub-Adviser’s employee benefits and/or deferred compensation plans.  The portfolio manager may have an incentive to favor these accounts over others.  If the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser manage accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the Fund invests, the Adviser

 

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and/or Sub-Adviser could be seen as harming the performance of the Fund for the benefit of the accounts engaged in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall.  The Adviser has adopted trade allocation and other policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to address these and other conflicts of interest.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGER COMPENSATION STRUCTURE

 

Portfolio managers receive a combination of base compensation and discretionary compensation, comprised of a cash bonus and several deferred compensation programs described below. The methodology used to determine portfolio manager compensation is applied across all accounts managed by the portfolio managers.

 

BASE SALARY COMPENSATION. Generally, portfolio managers receive base salary compensation based on the level of their position with the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser.

 

DISCRETIONARY COMPENSATION. In addition to base compensation, portfolio managers may receive discretionary compensation.

 

Discretionary compensation can include:

 

· Cash Bonus;

 

· Morgan Stanley’s Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program awards — a mandatory program that defers a portion of discretionary year-end compensation into restricted stock units or other awards or other investments based on Morgan Stanley common stock that are subject to vesting and other conditions;

 

· Investment Management Alignment Plan (IMAP) awards — a mandatory program that defers a portion of discretionary year-end compensation and notionally invests it in designated funds advised by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser or its affiliates. The award is subject to vesting and other conditions. Portfolio managers must notionally invest a minimum of 25% to a maximum of 100% of their IMAP deferral account into a combination of the designated open-end funds they manage that are included in the IMAP Fund menu;

 

· Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plans — voluntary programs that permit certain employees to elect to defer a portion of their discretionary year-end compensation and directly or notionally invest the deferred amount across a range of designated investment funds, including funds advised by the Adviser or its affiliates.

 

Several factors determine discretionary compensation, which can vary by portfolio management team and circumstances. In order of relative importance, these factors include:

 

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· Investment performance. A portfolio manager’s compensation is linked to the pre-tax investment performance of the funds/accounts managed by the portfolio manager. Investment performance is calculated for one-, three- and five-year periods measured against an appropriate securities market index (or indices) for the funds/accounts managed by the portfolio manager. The assets managed by the portfolio managers in funds, pooled investment vehicles and other accounts are described in “Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers” above. Generally, the greatest weight is placed on the three- and five-year periods.

 

· Revenues generated by the investment companies, pooled investment vehicles and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager.

 

· Contribution to the business objectives of the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser.

 

· The dollar amount of assets managed by the portfolio manager.

 

· Market compensation survey research by independent third parties.

 

· Other qualitative factors, such as contributions to client objectives.

 

· Performance of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., and the overall performance of the investment team(s) of which the portfolio is a member.

 

SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

As of  December 31, 2008, the portfolio managers did not own any shares of the Fund.

 

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Item 9. Closed-End Fund Repurchases

 

None.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures

 

(a)  The Fund’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures are sufficient to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Fund in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, based upon such officers’ evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report.

 

(b)  There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits

 

(a) The Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers is attached hereto.

 

(b) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant are attached hereto as part of EX-99.CERT.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant)

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Randy Takian

 

Name:

Randy Takian

Title:

Principal Executive Officer

Date:

February 19, 2009

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:

/s/ Randy Takian

 

Name:

Randy Takian

Title:

Principal Executive Officer

Date:

February 19, 2009

 

By:

/s/ James W. Garrett

 

Name:

James W. Garrett

Title:

Principal Financial Officer

Date:

February 19, 2009