China has become the third largest global issuer of green bonds behind France and the US shortly after hosting the G20 Summit in 2016.

China’s President Xi Jinping signaled at the G20 Summit in Hangzhou in September 2016 his aspiration to take a leading role on climate issues and green finance, reflecting China’s environmental strategy as announced in the 13th Five-Year-Plan. In November 2016, the Bank of Communication raised a $4.4bn green bond.

One issue in developing Asian nations from Bangladesh to the Philippines, however, is that many of the green initiatives, such as rural off-grid solar or greener waste and transport systems, are relatively small scale projects with equivalent levels of investment. These are not as attractive to investors as larger schemes.

Asia House Green Finance in Asia Conference will bring together experts to explore the potential for future growth of the green bond market in Asia and how far green financing, through multilaterals, sovereigns and companies, can meet the funding needs of energy infrastructure in the region. Key areas for discussion will include the use of green financing in China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia as well as the opening up of Asian markets.