Following is the opening speech by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at the opening session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting held in Beijing today (September 10):
      
     Thank you, Chair.
 
     First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the National Energy Administration of China, for hosting the 16th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting, and for the hospitality.
      
     Sustainability and prosperity can, and must, complement each other. To achieve both, we need to join forces and embrace innovative solutions.  
      
     Hong Kong, China is fully aligned with APEC’s goals to reduce APEC’s aggregate energy intensity by 45 per cent by 2035 against the 2005 level; and to double the share of renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030 compared to 2010. With concerted efforts of our community, as of 2023, the aggregate energy intensity in Hong Kong, China has already decreased by around 35 per cent from 2005.
      
     Our carbon emissions peaked in 2014 and have already dropped by about a quarter. With a per capita carbon emission of around 4.41 tonnes in 2024, Hong Kong, China compares well with our counterparts among the more advanced economies. Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions by half before 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.
      
     Hong Kong, China continues to be the freest economy in the world, and a trusted common law jurisdiction. As an international financial centre, we are well positioned to promote green financing. The volume of green and sustainable bonds arranged in Hong Kong, China amounted to around US$38 billion in 2025, ranking first in the Asian market for eight consecutive years.
      
     As a global premier destination for hosting world-class mega-events, Hong Kong, China continually brings people together. Just earlier this week, we launched our third "Hong Kong Green Week" which is our flagship sustainability event to offer a platform to drive dialogues and collaborations on multiple issues ranging from climate resilience, green technology to green trade. And before long we will host another flagship event in October, the 21st Eco Expo Asia, which aims to bring global industry leaders and government representatives together to share, collaborate and innovate. Therefore, I would warmly invite all of you to visit our city and join the upcoming events this October.
      
     Thank you, Chair.

Ends/Thursday, September 10, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:49

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