ESG Series: Hong Kong Government Green Bond Programme

Rossana Chu • 14 March 2022

Rossana Chu

Partner, Hong Kong

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ESG Series: Hong Kong Government Green Bond Programme

The Hong Kong Government announced in February 2022 the launch of the first retail Government green bonds. Such bond issuance is part of the Government Green Bond Programme (“Programme”).[1]

This article introduces the framework and bonds under the Programme.

Framework of the Programme

In February 2018, the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Government announced in his 2018-19 Budget to launch the Programme, with a borrowing ceiling of HK$100 billion (approximately US$12.8 billion)[2] , to demonstrate the commitment to promoting green finance and developing Hong Kong into a more sustainable and livable city.

The framework of the Programme sets out how the Government intends to issue green bonds with the vision to improve the environment, combat climate change and transition to a low carbon economy. The framework was first published in March 2019 and was updated in February 2022. The updated framework reflects Hong Kong’s latest climate commitments and strategy that aligns with the latest international standards and practices in the green bond market.

1. Usage, reporting and management of proceeds of green bonds

The proceeds of bond issuance will be used exclusively to finance or re-finance public works projects of the Government that fall under one or more of the eight eligible categories, namely:

renewable energy
energy efficiency and conservation
pollution prevention and control
waste management and resource recovery
water and wastewater management
nature conservation/biodiversity
clean transportation
green buildings

The proceeds will be credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund, administered by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau pending earmarking to eligible projects. The Bureau provides information on the allocation of the net proceeds of the green bond issuance via annual Green Bond Reports.

2. Project evaluation and selection

The Steering Committee on the Programme chaired by the Financial Secretary and comprising the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, the Secretary for the Environment and Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority among others is set up to oversee the implementation of the Programme.

One important duty of the Committee is to review and approve (a) each green bond issuance, (b) the allocation of proceeds of each tranche of bonds to eligible projects and (c) eligible projects which continue to meet the eligibility criteria during the life of the bond and (d) reports prepared on the Programme.

Institutional Green Bonds

As of early March 2022, nine tranches of green bonds of a total of US$7 billion have been issued under the Programme to a diverse group of institutional investors from around the world. The tenor ranges from 3 years to 30 years. The highest coupon rate is 3%. The bonds were issued in US Dollar, Renminbi and Euro.^[3]

Identified eligible projects

According to the Green Bond Report 2021^[4], 14 eligible projects have been identified as at 31 July 2021 for utilizing the bond proceeds:

Retail Green Bonds

The Financial Secretary announced in the 2021-22 Budget a plan to issue retail Government green bonds for the participation of the general public. The bonds will be of a tenor of 3 years and the total issuance amount will be of HK$6 billion (equivalent to US$770 million). The interest will be paid once every six months at a rate linked to inflation in Hong Kong, subject to a minimum rate of 2%.^[5]

However, in light of the latest developments of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Government recently decided to postpone the launch of the inaugural retail green bond offering although the subscription period was originally scheduled from 1 March to 11 March 2022. Subject to the development of the epidemic situation, the Government will relaunch the subscription arrangement for the retail green bond as soon as possible.

Footnotes:

YYC Legal LLP is in Association with East & Concord Partners (Hong Kong) Law Firm.

This material has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as professional advice. Please contact us for specific advice.