FSTB welcomes Cathay Pacific's carbon credits settlement through HKEX's carbon marketplace Core Climate
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) today (December 18) welcomes Cathay Pacific Airways Limited's settlement of 50 000 tonnes of voluntary carbon credits, as part of their voluntary carbon offset programme, on the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX)'s carbon marketplace Core Climate.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "The transaction showcases how Hong Kong's green finance platform helps businesses achieve sustainability goals through our robust financial market infrastructures, and sets a benchmark example for more transactions to follow. This aligns with the vision of the Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address in enhancing Hong Kong's green finance ecosystem and highlighting our role as a leading sustainable finance hub in Asia."
He added, "The Government will continue to support and promote co-operation and synergies between the HKEX and its Mainland and international counterparts in building a dynamic and trustworthy carbon marketplace. By enabling access to high-quality carbon credits verified by international standards, and facilitating interaction between local, Mainland and overseas carbon market participants, we aim to further strengthen Hong Kong's leadership in empowering green transition through finance."
The transaction highlights the role of Core Climate in supporting corporates on their climate transition journey, offering trustworthy settlement services to enhance efficiency and mitigate risks. It also reflects Cathay Pacific's commitment to sustainability as a leading airline in Hong Kong, and its efforts in proactively reducing carbon footprint. As the world's only carbon marketplace offering settlement in both Hong Kong dollars and Renminbi for international voluntary carbon credits at present, Core Climate provides businesses with access to quality carbon credits from internationally certified projects and reinforces Hong Kong's position as a leading regional hub for green and sustainable finance.
Besides promoting the development of the carbon marketplace, the FSTB last week published a roadmap on the full adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards - Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards), leading Hong Kong to be among the first jurisdictions to align its local requirements with the ISSB Standards, reinforcing its leadership in sustainability reporting and disclosure, and furthering the efforts in building a comprehensive green finance ecosystem.
Hong Kong's commitment to carbon neutrality remains steadfast. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050 and reduce the city's carbon emissions by 50 per cent before 2035. These ambitious targets, coupled with initiatives like Core Climate and the adoption of international sustainability disclosure standards, position Hong Kong as a leading international green finance centre driving sustainable development in Asia and beyond.
HA tripartite Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres to launch Winter Sanjiu Tianjiu Service
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (December 18) that the Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) at 18 districts will launch their Winter Sanjiu Tianjiu Service starting from this Friday (December 20). This service is a supporting event of the first Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Culture Festival, offering elderly participants a half-price discount to promote awareness of preventive Chinese medicine practices.
The Chief Manager (Chinese Medicine) of the HA, Ms Rowena Wong, stated, "The 18 CMCTRs actively support government initiatives to promote Chinese medicine development by providing diverse services to the public. With the staunch support from all CMCTRs, the continued provision of Winter Sanjiu Tianjiu services helps familiarise the public with preventive treatment concepts in Chinese medicine and embodies the health-preserving principles of traditional Chinese medicine. With reference to past experience, it is estimated that approximately 30 per cent of service recipients are elderly persons aged 65 or above. Through special promotion of the Chinese Medicine Culture Festival, the initiative aims to encourage the elderly to embrace a healthy lifestyle and improve their awareness of disease prevention."
Tianjiu therapy, based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory of preventive treatment, encompasses both summer "Sanfu Tianjiu" and winter "Sanjiu Tianjiu" treatments. Following the Chinese traditional calendar, these therapies are administered on specific dates in summer and winter to maximise their preventive and therapeutic benefits.
The Chief of Service at the United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service - The Chinese University of Hong Kong CMTCR (Tai Po District), Mr Yung Ting-yiu, explained that Tianjiu therapy has a thousand-year history and uses the warming effects of pungent and warm herbs to enhance the body's Yang Qi. This treatment particularly benefits individuals with a weak and cold constitution, respiratory conditions, pain, and gastrointestinal issues and helps reduce and prevent the onset of winter diseases. Additionally, Tianjiu treatment also benefits the elderly by enhancing immunity during the winter influenza season. Before treatment, Chinese medicine practitioners will assess patient suitability and then apply the herbal paste on specific acupoints. Patients with diabetes or sensitive skin, pregnant women, children aged under 2, and those with heat syndrome may not be suitable for Tianjiu treatment and should consult a Chinese medicine practitioner before treatment.
Members of the public who are interested in receiving winter Sanjiu Tianjiu treatment can contact any of the 18 CMCTRs for service information and appointments. Eligible elderly persons aged 65 or above can enjoy a half-price discount. The winter Sanjiu Tianjiu service will be available until January 18 next year. For details on the service and booking telephone numbers of the 18 CMCTRs, please refer to the annex or visit the HA CMK website (cmk.ha.org.hk/services/notice/dongjiu2024).
