The findings come as part of Seizing Opportunities in China’s Sustainable Investment, a joint research report published today by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Hong Kong: Key facilitator of sustainable development

The report was compiled after the two organisations surveyed 283 companies on their medium-term sustainability objectives. The research programme, which also included in-depth interviews with key industry representatives, aimed to evaluate the progress made by China-based businesses, as they align themselves with the Central Government's environmental priorities and explore the possibilities offered by green financing.

Commenting on the significance of the survey, Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research, said: ‘As Asia’s leading green finance hub, Hong Kong has the potential to make a significant and lasting impact on Mainland China’s move to an ever more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.’

‘With the city’s own progress to establishing itself as an international green finance and technology centre gathering pace, it is gratifying to see that its success to date is being widely recognised across the mainland. This vote of confidence confirms we are on the right trajectory to work with businesses throughout the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), within China as a whole and along the Belt and Road countries/economies.’

Christina So, Head of ACCA Hong Kong and GBA Lead, said: ‘This study has delivered invaluable insights into the evolution of sustainable business practices in China, making it an essential reference tool for anyone looking to explore business opportunities throughout the country. It also underscores the need for a high standard of competence and a clear understanding of the sustainability agenda among finance and accounting professionals, something that we at ACCA are committed to delivering.’

Healthy sustainable business practices

Another key research finding was that the vast majority of survey participants are prioritising meeting the government’s policy objectives in the environmental impact space, especially with regard to substantially reducing carbon emissions.

Many companies also highlighted other benefits of adopting greener business practices, including enhanced access to green finance and establishing positive brand values on an international basis.

Barriers to sustainable investment

Despite the overwhelmingly upbeat sentiment with regard to adopting and implementing green protocols, many research respondents also reported ongoing challenges. These challenges are often slowing the rate at which agreed measures can be fully actioned. Chief among these concerns are cost pressures – cited by 82% of respondents – with an expectation that any return on investment in enhanced sustainability practices may not be evident in the short term.

While many respondents were enthusiastic about exploring green financing, there was also uncertainty over how best to access these channels. Regardless of this, some 70% of respondents agreed that they were considering using a green financing channel to meet their future needs.

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