Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited and CECEP Environmental Consulting Group Limited have jointly released the third Chiyu Fujian-Hong Kong ESG Index Report, which continues to monitor the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of Fujian Province and the collaboration between Fujian and Hong Kong in finance, economic and trade, and sustainable development. In addition, the report also continuously researches the outstanding ESG practices of overseas Chinese enterprises and Hong Kong-listed companies, presenting case studies to inspire green and low-carbon transformation of the industries.
This report reveals that Fujian Province Sustainable Development Index reached 132 points as of June 2024, with a 7.3% year-on-year increase. Fujian Province showed remarkable progress across four key areas: environmental performance and resource management, economic development, social development and livelihood, and sustainable finance. Among them, the number of invention patents in Fujian Province exceeded 11,000, with an annual growth rate of over 37%, showcasing economic vitality driven by innovation.
Meanwhile, the Fujian-Hong Kong Cooperation Sustainable Development Index reached 130 points, marking a 7.2% year-on-year increase. The most notable improvements were seen in exchange activities on sustainable development and financial, economic, and trade cooperation between the two regions. In March 2024, government officials, economists, business leaders, and financial institution executives from Fujian and Hong Kong convened at the Fujian-Hong Kong Development Cooperation Forum on Financial Services in Hong Kong. This event facilitated comprehensive collaboration in finance, trade, and investment, showcasing the strong partnership between the two regions.
First Update of Fujian Enterprises ESG Index and Overseas Chinese Fujian Enterprises ESG Index
This report also marks the first annual update of the Fujian Enterprises ESG Index and Overseas Chinese Fujian Enterprises ESG Index, which recorded 119 points and 127 points, respectively. Fujian enterprises have shown significant progress in monitoring and disclosing data on greenhouse gas emissions and water resource utilisation. Meanwhile, they have also set clear reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, exemplifying their commitment to sustainable development.
In corporate governance, the adoption of independent director system has significantly enhanced, leading to more transparent and scientifically sound governance mechanisms that lay a solid foundation for long-term growth.
Leading by Excellent Enterprises: Overseas Chinese Enterprises Showcase Green Responsibility
This report also includes cases of outstanding ESG practices of two excellent enterprises, showing the proactive efforts of an overseas Chinese Fujian background enterprise and a listed Chinese enterprise in Hong Kong in green transformation, with the aim of driving long-term green and low-carbon transformation and development of the industry.
Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) Group, a prominent overseas Chinese enterprise, actively supports the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by leveraging its resources to enhance the socio-economic development of countries along the BRI. Its subsidiary, including Asia Symbol, Sateri, Apical Group, and Pacific Energy, have demonstrated outstanding performance in energy conservation and emission reduction, low-carbon product development, biodiversity protection, supply chain management, transition finance, and clean energy. RGE Group, through its innovations in green finance and its continuously improving sustainability performance, was honoured with the Annual Award of the IFF Global Green Finance Award.
China Hongqiao Group Co., Ltd. (stock code 01378.HK) continues to promote the green upgrade of the entire industrial chain. From capacity relocation to green factory construction, it is committed to building an intelligent, efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing system, striving to reduce carbon emissions in production and transportation, and reach a win-win situation with downstream customers. Its Chairman, Mr. Zhang Bo, was named as one of “the 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders in Business” of TIME100 Climate, showcasing the company’s significant influence in the field of sustainable development.
Looking Ahead: Driving Green Transformation for Shared Prosperity
The Chiyu Fujian-Hong Kong ESG Index Report aims to strengthen ESG-related exchange activities and collaboration between Fujian and Hong Kong. By encouraging more enterprises to adopt green transformation practices, the report seeks to inject sustainable momentum into the high-quality economic development of the region. This report concludes that with strong policy support and growing market demand, Fujian and Hong Kong are well-positioned to jointly create a globally competitive green finance and industrial ecosystem. This collaboration will not only contribute to China's modernisation efforts but also establish a global benchmark for sustainable development.
Please refer to the attached file for the enterprise interview case studies and the related index performance analysis.
Chiyu Fujian-Hong Kong ESG Index Report 3rd (2025May).pdf
