Opening remarks by SFST at press conference on launch of retail green bond under Government Green Bond Programme (with video)

     Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the press conference on the launch of the inaugural retail green bond under the Government Green Bond Programme today (February 15):
 
     The subscription period will start from March 1 until March 11. Hong Kong residents, i.e. holders of a valid HKID card, may apply through specified placing banks, securities brokers or the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited. To align with the overarching message of environmental awareness, and also take into account the COVID-19 situation, we encourage investors to make use of electronic application channels.
 
     The proceeds of Government green bonds will be credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund to finance or refinance green projects with environmental benefits. The Steering Committee on the Government Green Bond Programme, chaired by the Financial Secretary, has been overseeing the implementation of the Programme including the use and management of proceeds, selection of eligible projects and the publication of Green Bond Reports to provide information on the allocation of proceeds and expected environmental benefits of green projects on an annual basis. 
 
     Now, I would like to invite the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) colleague, Edmond (Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Edmond Lau) as well as the representatives from our co-arrangers to further elaborate on the details of the offering. Edmond, over to you please.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the opening remarks.)