HONG KONG - Hong Kong shares were set to start lower on Monday, pulled down by China plays ahead the release of a preliminary survey of China's April manufacturing activity that should offer fresh clues on a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy.

The Hang Seng Index was set to open down 0.19 per cent at 20,970.96. The China Enterprises Index of top mainland listings in Hong Kong was indicated to start down 0.3 per cent at 11,017.26.