China’s NDRC proposes measures to boost mainland companies' Hong Kong bonds

China’s state planner proposed three measures to support mainland companies issuing bonds in Hong Kong, including deepening cooperation, improving regulatory coordination, and promoting sustainable finance, a senior official said.

Hua Zhong, head of the Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment at the National Development and Reform Commission, said mainland firms have made significant progress in issuing bonds in Hong Kong in recent years, but face some challenges, as the city faces intensifying competition from other financial hubs and credit concerns following the country’s property sector crisis.

Hua urged more mainland firms to use Hong Kong’s platform to diversify funding channels and instruments, optimize financing structures, and carry out cross-border deals, while calling for a more open, transparent, and efficient market environment.

Hua also highlighted the need for closer coordination between mainland and Hong Kong regulators to ensure compliant, orderly issuance, and encouraged the development of green and sustainable bonds to support long-term economic and social development.

STAFF REPORTER