(21 March 2024 – Hong Kong) NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS” or the “Group”, Hong Kong stock code: 659) is pleased to announce that the Group successfully issued its RMB denominated 2024 Medium-term Green Notes Series 1 (Bond Connect) (the “Green Panda Bonds”) on 21 March 2024. This is the First-ever Green Panda Bonds Issued by a Hong Kong Conglomerate with Proceeds Allocated for Logistics Warehousing. The principal amount of this tranche is RMB 100 million, with an annual interest rate of 3.55% and a 3-year tenor. Together with the Group's two tranches with a total principal amount of RMB 3.5 billion issued in 2023, a total of RMB 3.6 billion of Panda Bonds has been issued.
Proceeds from this issuance will be used for capital expenditures (including asset improvements or additions), repayment of principal and interest of interest-bearing liabilities and replenishment of working capital of green logistics warehousing projects. Six logistics properties in Chengdu and Wuhan owned by the Group have previously achieved Grade 1 (3-star), the highest grading, of the “Green Warehousing Certification” awarded by the China Association of Warehousing and Distribution; five of them also obtained green rating of G1 from Lianhe Equator Environmental Impact Assessment Co., Ltd. The proceeds from these Green Panda Bonds will be used for the sustainable development of these five logistics projects.
Brian Cheng, Group Co-Chief Executive Officer of NWS, said, “At NWS, we are committed to sustainable practices, understand the need of achieving net-zero emissions, and are resolute in incorporating ESG considerations into our operations and decision-making. The Group successfully issued its first Green Panda Bonds, and the proceeds will be used for green warehousing projects, further signifying our unwavering dedication to sustainable business development.”
Jim Lam, Group Chief Financial Officer of NWS, added, “Green Panda Bonds as a relatively low-cost funding source, can act as a natural hedge of the Group’s RMB denominated assets and can be used to develop green businesses under the Group. The Mainland bond market presently favors green finance, and we are pleased to contribute to sustainable economic development and the Mainland’s carbon neutrality target by issuing Green Panda Bonds.”
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NWS Holdings Limited
NWS Holdings Limited (Hong Kong Stock Code: 659) invests and operates a wide range of businesses predominantly in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Our operating businesses include toll roads, insurance, logistics, construction, and facilities management. Through the Group’s sustainable business model, it is committed to creating more value for all stakeholders and the community.
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NWS Holdings Limited
Telephone: 2131 3801
Email: corpcomm@nws.com.hk
