GEG Subscribes to RMB100 Million of Asia’s First Biodiversity Themed Green Bond Issued by BOC Macau
October 20, 2021 – Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG”) continues its commitment to support Macau and its positioning as the “One Center, One Platform and One Base” as well as fostering the city’s economic diversification. In late September 2021 GEG invested RMB100 million in Asia’s first Biodiversity Themed Green Bonds issued by Bank of China Limited, Macau Branch (“BOC Macau”). This represents GEG’s second investment in a corporate social responsibility related offering following last year’s subscription to BOC Macau’s social bond. Further, this landmark bond has been listed in Macau and Hong Kong which also supports the diversification of Macau’s economy through the development of its financial market.
A subscription ceremony was held today at the Bank of China Building, where Mr. Cai Chunyan and Mr. Yang Hao, Deputy General Managers of BOC Macau; Mr. Jerry Chan, General Manager of Corporate Banking Department of BOC Macau; Mr. Jiang Wei, General Manager of Asset & Liability Management Department of BOC Macau; Mr. Robert Drake, Group Chief Financial Officer of GEG; Mr. Buddy Lam, Senior Vice President of Public Relations of GEG; and Mr. Michael Santangelo, Senior Vice President of Finance of GEG, attended. GEG’s participation in this landmark biodiversity-themed financing is consistent with its philosophy of “what is taken from the community is to be used for the good of the community” including the active support of Macau’s diversification efforts. Following its HK$100 million subscription to the SMEs Themed COVID-19 Impact Alleviation Social Bonds that was issued by BOC Macau at the beginning of last year, GEG maintained close contact with BOC Macau and explored with them various proposals that support the sustainable eco-friendly development of society. With this subscription and BOC Macau’s experience in the emerging CSR financial market, GEG hopes to support the green finance strategies outlined in the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan, advance Macau’s development in finance, and promote the Macau’s green industry and diversification.
Following its previous issuance of the Green and Blue Bonds, BOC Macau’s Biodiversity Themed Green Bonds issuance is another important initiative that propels Macau’s green development and innovation. As well, it also marks the first ever biodiversity-themed green bonds offering by an Asian issuer, and the first biodiversity-themed green bonds issued globally by a financial institution with third-party verification, which further enhances the appeal of green bonds and demonstrates Macau’s financial institutions’ active participation and influence in the global green sector.
Earlier, the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China released a white paper titled "Biodiversity Conservation in China" which has strengthened biodiversity conservation as a national strategy. The white paper also outlines the country’s polices and measures on biodiversity conservation, related progress and results, as well as its efforts in boosting international cooperation and exchanges on biodiversity conservation and fostering green development. GEG also understands that sustainable development is of paramount importance and has implemented a variety of green initiatives, including introducing international environmental and energy management systems, implementing a wide array of conservation and recycling initiatives, adopting eco-friendly architecture and green procurement, and enhancing the green awareness of our team members and guests, among others. In the future, GEG will continue to make full use of its resources to support society’s sustainable development.