Asia Pacific

Georgian Railway steamed into the green bond market on Thursday, raising a benchmark dollar bond.

New bond issuance from local government financing vehicles in China has taken a beating recently, as Beijing hardens its stance on keeping the country’s ‘hidden debt’ problem under control. But the challenging times are likely just beginning, writes Addison Gong.

Georgian Railway and Togo-headquartered Ecobank Transnational launched a green bond and a sustainability-linked bond, respectively, on Thursday.

Agricultural Bank of China sold a multi-currency deal through its Hong Kong branch this week, raising $1.322bn.

South Korea's KEB Hana Bank found a stronger response than expected for its sustainability bond this week, allowing it to raise $600m.

WH Group has turned to banks for about $1.25bn to fund a share buy-back, as the world’s largest pork company takes advantage of attractive market conditions to raise a new loan. Unlike its acquisition fundraising eight years ago, which received plenty of criticism and pushback from lenders, the market’s response this time around is different — despite some initial confusion, writes Pan Yue.

Chinese property company Evergrande Group’s dollar bonds have plummeted in the secondary market, following news that regulators are scrutinising the borrower. The effect has been far-reaching — dampening sentiment for other high yield real estate bonds and putting both investment bankers and investors on guard. Morgan Davis reports.

Countries around the world are announcing all kinds of incentives to encourage people to get vaccinated. But access to alcohol may offer the most appeal.

JPM appoints Xu to lead fintech IB — MUFG names China corporate banking head — Deutsche hires senior banker in Pakistan

Chengdu Quanyuantang Pharmacy Chain has started laying the foundation for its Hong Kong IPO, filing initial listing documents with the bourse this week.

Hong Kong department store chain Lifestyle International Holdings returned to the debt market this week after a two-year break to raise $350m.

Two Indian companies will be testing investor appetite for their IPOs on Monday next week, as the country continues to battle a recent surge in Covid-19 infections.