Kaohsiung Finance Bureau and Kaohsiung Bank Co-host Net-Zero Sustainable Finance Seminar Focusing on Carbon Accounting, Green Lending, and Sustainable Financing

The Kaohsiung City Government Finance Bureau and Kaohsiung Bank co-hosted the '2026 Net-Zero Sustainable Finance Seminar' today (4th), inviting experts to share insights on net-zero transition trends and practical carbon accounting. Through dialogue among enterprises, government, and financial institutions, the event aimed to build consensus on sustainable development, assist industries in accelerating low-carbon transformation, and enhance operational resilience and international competitiveness.

Li Qiong-Hui, Director of the Kaohsiung City Government Finance Bureau, stated that Kaohsiung is a major hub for heavy industries such as steel, petrochemicals, and shipbuilding in Taiwan, accounting for approximately one-fifth of the nation's total carbon emissions. Since taking office, Mayor Chen Chi-Mai has promoted a 'dual-track transformation' policy focusing on net-zero and digitalization, establishing net-zero legislation, a carbon budget management system, the Industrial Net-Zero Alliance, and the Net-Zero Academy to drive simultaneous transformation of industries and talent.

According to city statistics, Kaohsiung's carbon emissions in 2024 decreased by 24.3% compared to 2005, and the air quality good rate in 2025 improved to 86.8%, setting a new record high.

Li Qiong-Hui noted that as a local financial institution, Kaohsiung Bank has actively supported the city government and the Financial Supervisory Commission in promoting green lending, sustainability-linked loans, and green deposits. By leveraging financial tools, the bank supports enterprises in transitioning toward low-carbon operations and amplifying the impact of green finance.

The seminar attracted around 80 participants, including representatives from Kaohsiung Bank, steel and metal industries, green technology, construction sectors, the Kaohsiung City Bankers Association, and relevant city government units. The event covered practical aspects of net-zero transition and carbon accounting, showcased financial products offered by Kaohsiung Bank to assist corporate transformation, and highlighted achievements in supporting the city government's issuance of green municipal bonds.

The Finance Bureau emphasized that issuing green bonds has enabled Kaohsiung City to effectively reduce interest expenses without increasing debt burden, while mobilizing private resources to promote low-carbon transportation infrastructure. Additionally, Kaohsiung Bank issued its first sustainability bond this year, aligning fiscal sustainability with environmental sustainability goals.

The Finance Bureau stressed that 'social dialogue' is a crucial foundation for advancing green finance. By fostering collaboration among government, financial institutions, and enterprises, more resources can be channeled into net-zero and sustainable development, collectively building a livable, low-carbon, and sustainable Kaohsiung City.

Participants included key local enterprises from steel and metal, green energy, construction, the Kaohsiung City Bankers Association, and relevant municipal units. (Photo: Kaohsiung City Finance Bureau)