BEIJING, Feb 6 (Reuters) - China's securities regulator said on Tuesday it will guide institutional investors to raise stock investment and encourage listed companies to increase share buybacks.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said this on its website following state fund Central Huijin's announcement to expand investment in exchange-trade funds (ETFs). It added it would provide a smoother channel for Central Huijin to invest in the market and make its operation more convenient.

(Reporting by Albee Zhang and Ryan Woo in Beijing and Jason Xue in Shanghai; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)