China’s Ministry of Finance has launched a draft guideline to standardize corporate sustainability disclosures, aiming to establish a nationwide framework by 2030. This initiative aligns with the global emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, which are increasingly critical for corporate transparency and accountability.
Currently, sustainability disclosures by Chinese companies are voluntary and inconsistent, creating challenges for global trade and investment. The proposed “Corporate Sustainability Disclosure Standards — Basic Standards” will set general requirements for companies in China, with a gradual implementation strategy. Initially, the standards will be voluntary, focusing on listed companies before extending to non-listed companies and becoming mandatory by 2027. The development process allows for sector-specific guidelines and regulatory adjustments over time.
This move is part of China’s broader ESG strategy, which has seen significant policy measures since April. Notably, stock exchanges in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing have issued guidelines for sustainable development reports, and ESG criteria have been included in credit assessments by the central bank and other departments. These efforts aim to mitigate sustainable risks such as climate change and environmental pollution, which can impact corporate operations and broader economic and social development goals.
The ESG disclosure trend is growing, with 1,938 A-share listed companies having published ESG reports by the end of April 2023. The highest disclosure rates are found in industries like banking, finance, steel, mining, and public utilities, with state-owned enterprises leading in compliance.
China’s ESG investment is expanding rapidly. By the third quarter of 2023, the ESG investment scale reached 33.06 trillion yuan ($4.56 trillion USD), marking a 34.4% increase from 2022. This growth is reflected in the rise of ESG funds and stock indices, demonstrating the increasing integration of ESG principles into the financial sector.
The draft guideline is detailed in six chapters and 33 articles, covering various aspects of disclosure requirements and quality standards. Public feedback on the draft is invited until June 24, 2024.