Hong Kong is embracing its role as a leader and innovator in green transformation, channeling global capital towards sustainable and low-carbon initiatives across Asia and beyond, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Asia Climate Summit 2026, Hui said Hong Kong’s position as a vibrant and resilient global financial center — reinforced by its status as the world's largest cross-border wealth management center and the premier offshore Renminbi business hub — firmly places the city at the forefront of green finance.
“The tangible results of our efforts are clear: last year, the total volume of green and sustainable debt issued in Hong Kong surpassed $76 billion,” he said.
Green and sustainable bonds arranged in the city amounted to around $38 billion, ranking first in the Asian market for eight consecutive years since 2018, he said.
Since 2019, Hong Kong has also successfully issued close to $33 billion equivalent in green bonds under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme, the secretary added.
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In November, Hong Kong issued the world's first-ever digital green bonds integrating tokenized central bank money, settling in both e-CNY and e-HKD, Hui said.
“This pioneering transaction underscores our unique ability to bridge traditional finance with green development and cutting-edge fintech and digital currency innovation,” he added.
Hui said Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd’s Core Climate marketplace for carbon trading offers HKD and RMB settlement for voluntary carbon credits.
“As of March this year, Core Climate boasted over 130 registered participants and offers credits from more than 60 projects verified by leading international standards, solidifying its position as a vital platform for regional carbon trading,” he said.
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Leveraging Hong Kong's strategic location in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, HKEX is exploring further collaboration with Guangzhou Emissions Exchange, Shenzhen Green Exchange and Macao International Carbon Emission Exchange, supporting the development of a robust and vibrant green finance ecosystem across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
“Riding on HKEX's listing platform, we see real opportunities to identify and spotlight Hong Kong-listed enterprises actively involved in green and environmentally sustainable activities,” Hui said.
“By enhancing transparency and accessibility, this will empower investors to confidently identify and channel capital into green opportunities in Hong Kong,” he added.
