More than 80 Hong Kong financial institutions, environmentally-friendly organizations, service providers, and other key stakeholders have come together to form the Hong Kong Green Finance Association (HKGFA).

As part of its launch activities, the HKFGA non-profit organisation will host the Green Finance Forum, alongside its inauguration ceremonies on September 21 at the HKEX Connect Hall.

Among the honorary guests to make the opening remarks are Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government Chou Hong, and HKEX chairwoman and honorary advisor to HKGFA Laura Cha.

The keynote presentation will be delivered by Dr MA Jun, HKGFA chairman and president, who said: “The inception of Hong Kong Green Finance Association is an important step forward for Hong Kong to promote green and sustainable banking, develop green capital markets, and integrate ESG principles in investment decision-making by institutional investors. This will strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international finance centre and help position Hong Kong as a global green finance hub.”

According to a statement by the organisation, it aims to mobilise private sector resources and talents to assist the government in developing green finance policies and to promote the adoption of best practices in green finance, which includes green credit, green bonds, green insurance, and ESG investment.

One of its specific goals is to provide greater access and opportunities for Hong Kong financial institutions to participate in green financing transactions locally, in mainland China, and in markets along the Belt & Road. This is part of Hong Kong’s bid to be recognised as a leading international green finance hub, in accordance with the UN’s sustainable development goals and the Paris Agreement.