HONG KONG - Some 800 green bond industry professionals from around the world gathered here on Thursday for an annual general meeting on developments in the global green, social and sustainability bond markets, especially focusing on the potential of Asian market.

The meeting, co-hosted by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKM), was attended by industry professionals including investors, issuers, intermediaries, external reviewers and rating agencies, as well as policy makers, market supervisors, stock exchanges, law firms and other professional services firms.

The participants debated advances in the global green, social and sustainability bond markets, which raise capital for projects that provide environmental and social benefits, as well as requirements for the markets' future success.

The agenda at the conference was particularly focused on the increasing maturity of these markets and the convergence towards market-based global standards. There was also a specific session on progress in the green bond market of Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

This is the first time that this flagship international green finance event is being held in Asia, signifying the growing influence of Asia in the development of green bonds in particular, and sustainable finance more widely, as well as recognising Hong Kong's status and importance as an international financial center, the HKMA said in a press release.

ICMA Chief Executive Martin Scheck said at the opening of the conference, "Holding this event today in Hong Kong is recognition both of the progress made and the future potential of the Asian market for sustainable finance. Market and official initiatives aligned with the Green Bond Principles have accelerated growth in Asian markets for green, social and sustainability bonds. The official stance in Asia has been very supportive and innovative, with mainland China showing early leadership in Green bond issuance."