Full Breakdown
Hong Kong Advances Green Finance and Innovation in Collaboration with Thailand
3/22/2026, 11:53:06 PM
Hong Kong's Commitment to Green Transition
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, has emphasized the city's role in supporting the global transition to a green economy. Speaking at the China Development Forum in Beijing, Chan highlighted Hong Kong's unique position as an international financial center and a developing innovation hub. He stated that Hong Kong aims to contribute significantly to the global green transition through green finance and technology, leveraging its connections under the "one country, two systems" principle. Chan noted that Hong Kong is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and has set ambitious targets to halve carbon emissions by 2035.
GreenBiz HK Forum in Bangkok
In a bid to strengthen collaboration with Thailand, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) organized the "GreenBiz HK" forum in Bangkok. The event attracted over 550 participants from various sectors, including government and business, and served as a platform for exchanging insights on green finance and sustainable urban development. Keynote speakers, including Anna Cheung from HKTDC and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.
Collaborative Efforts in Green Finance and Technology
The forum featured discussions on strategies to enhance Hong Kong-Thailand relations, focusing on green finance, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) collaboration, and smart city initiatives. Experts from both regions shared insights on innovative financing tools and sustainable technologies. Notably, Dr. Kim Mak, Chairman of ATAL Engineering Group, and Mr. John Lo, Founder of the Asia Carbon Institute, discussed practical applications of green technologies and strategies for decarbonization.
Strengthening Business Ties
The GreenBiz HK initiative aims to foster cross-sector collaboration and industry advancement by connecting Hong Kong's green service providers with Thai enterprises. The campaign includes targeted project matching and networking opportunities to facilitate partnerships that align with global sustainability trends. The HKTDC has also organized a Hong Kong Green Team delegation to explore green market opportunities in Thailand, further enhancing business ties between the two regions.
Official Statements and Responses
Paul Chan reiterated Hong Kong's commitment to advancing green finance and technology, stating that the city will enhance its role as a regional green finance hub and develop innovative financial instruments to channel funding into green projects. He emphasized the need for collaboration to address climate change challenges and highlighted the importance of integrating green development into economic policies.
Criticism and Opposition
While the initiatives have been generally well-received, some critics argue that the pace of implementation may not meet the urgent demands of climate change. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of current policies in achieving the ambitious targets set by the Hong Kong government.
What's Next
Looking ahead, the HKTDC plans to continue organizing business missions and thematic conferences to support enterprises in Southeast Asia and the Chinese Mainland. These efforts aim to leverage Hong Kong's strengths in finance and innovation to promote sustainable development across the region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hong Kong is a leading international financial centre, while expediting its development as an international innovation and technology hub. We contribute to regional and global green transition from the perspectives of green finance and green technology,” — Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong
- “ Dr Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok said: “The green transition is not a challenge any city or country can address alone - it requires strong partnerships, shared vision, and collective action across the public and private sectors.” — Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok
