Core Insights - Hong Kong has the potential to bridge a significant climate-financing gap in Asia by accessing a global pool of over US$200 trillion for sustainable infrastructure projects [1][3] - There is a notable disparity between the available capital and the actual deployment of funds for climate action in the Asia-Pacific region, with a shortfall of approximately US$800 billion against the required US$1.1 trillion annual investment [3][4] Investment Landscape - The private sector's involvement in financing is crucial, as governments worldwide lack the fiscal capacity to meet the substantial investment needs for climate goals [2] - Institutional investors, particularly from North America and Europe, are currently seeking safer investment opportunities, which presents a challenge for emerging markets [5] Recent Trends - In the first half of the year, there was a six percentage point shift in global climate funding towards the Asia region, marking a significant reallocation of climate-themed capital [4] - Since 2015, over US$300 billion in labeled sustainable bonds have been issued in Southeast Asia and the Greater Bay Area, indicating the rapid development of the region's sustainable finance market [4] Investment Strategies - Blended finance, which combines capital with varying levels of risk, could attract institutional investors by providing them with the comfort needed to invest in higher-risk assets in emerging markets [5]

Core Insights - Intesa Sanpaolo is committed to supporting Ukraine's reconstruction through blended finance, ESG principles, and long-term investment [2][3] - The bank operates in Ukraine through its subsidiary Pravex Bank, making it the only Italian banking group with a presence in the country [3] Group Commitment and Strategy - Intesa Sanpaolo adopts a prudent approach in the current geopolitical landscape, avoiding excessive risk while preparing to support reconstruction projects when conditions permit [3] - The Group collaborates with supranational institutions like the EBRD and EIB to contribute to development projects aimed at rebuilding Ukraine [3] Economic Revitalization - Rebuilding Ukraine's economy necessitates both private capital and support from supranational financial institutions, with Intesa Sanpaolo playing a crucial role in blended finance mechanisms [3] - The Group emphasizes stability and local development, focusing on long-term investments in regions where sustainable growth is possible [3] Inclusive Growth and ESG Alignment - Intesa Sanpaolo promotes inclusive growth, financial education, and ESG-aligned financing in all its operational regions, including Ukraine [3] - The bank aims to support not only economic reconstruction but also the long-term sustainable development of local communities in Ukraine [3] Green Financing Initiatives - As a leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy, Intesa Sanpaolo offers dedicated green credit lines and a growing portfolio of sustainable products, which can aid in Ukraine's future rebuilding efforts [3]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive investment outlook for infrastructure, particularly in developed markets, with a notable rebound in greenfield investments and a projected recovery in secondary market activities as interest rates decline [9][11][84]. Core Insights - Global private investment in infrastructure projects increased by 10 percent in 2023, primarily driven by developed markets, while low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) saw a slight decline [9][10]. - Infrastructure fundraising faced significant challenges in 2023, with total capital raised dropping to $94.9 billion, nearly half of 2022 levels, but is expected to stabilize in 2024 [18][84]. - Infrastructure debt remains attractive to investors due to its reliable cash flows and historically lower default rates compared to non-financial corporate debt, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 77 percent in 2023 [25][84]. - Renewable energy and transport sectors dominate infrastructure investment, accounting for two-thirds of total activity, with a significant surge in private investment in hydrogen projects [31][36]. - The report highlights a growing divergence in investment levels between high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs, with HICs experiencing a 15 percent increase in infrastructure investment in primary markets [45][46]. Summary by Sections Greenfield Investment - Greenfield investment in developed markets continues to rebound, while growth in emerging markets lags, with investment levels significantly higher than the five-year average [9][10]. Rising Interest Rates - Rising interest rates have tempered return expectations across most infrastructure fund types, leading to a significant decline in fundraising [17][18]. Infrastructure Resilience - Despite macroeconomic uncertainty, private infrastructure financing has maintained a stable debt-to-equity ratio, with infrastructure debt demonstrating lower default rates [25][84]. Policy and Incentives - Policy changes have influenced investor strategies, with renewable energy and transport consistently dominating investment, while digital infrastructure has gained importance [31][32]. Investment Gaps - There is a widening investment gap between HICs and LMICs, with LMICs representing less than 20 percent of overall volumes compared to 30 percent a decade ago [46][47]. Regulatory Frameworks - Strengthening regulatory frameworks is essential for attracting private capital in emerging markets, with improvements potentially increasing investment by approximately $500 million [54][58]. Development Institutions - Development institutions play a critical role in mobilizing private capital in LMICs, providing co-financing for 30 percent of total private investment [61][62]. Blended Finance - Blended finance and guarantees are effective tools for bridging investment gaps, with evidence showing that projects backed by guarantees have higher private commercial debt participation [65][67]. Local Currency Financing - Local currency financing for private investment in infrastructure projects in LMICs decreased to 37 percent in 2023, highlighting the need for stronger local markets [72][73]. Capital Markets - There is a growing shift towards leveraging domestic and international capital markets to mobilize long-term funding for infrastructure projects [78][79]. Conclusion - The report concludes that while private investment in infrastructure has faced volatility, it has shown resilience, particularly in the context of rising interest rates and macroeconomic uncertainty [83][84].