Opinion | How Hong Kong can connect China’s carbon market with the world
- Hong Kong can act as the testing ground for mainland carbon products, showcasing them to international investors, while providing a source of important feedback for mainland market players
- In addition, the region’s carbon market opportunity can help support local fintech innovation, particularly in the use of blockchain

Despite the many challenges and limitations brought on by the pandemic, Hong Kong’s financial regulators have continued to find opportunities to preserve its current and future status as one of the world’s leading financial centres.
There is no other financial centre in the world better placed to tap into China’s massive – but still nascent – carbon emissions trading market, estimated to be three times bigger than the European Union’s and set to grow by another 70 per cent by 2025.
Looking to the future, Hong Kong can play to its traditional strengths: bridging China’s carbon markets with the rest of the world by offering regional expertise and market understanding that cannot be found elsewhere. There is, however, no guarantee of success unless steps are taken to solidify this opportunity.