In a continued push to internationalize its ESG ecosystem, the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) hosted its fifth annual “Dialogue with International Investors: Empowering Listed Companies through ESG” training session on July 9. The event brought together representatives from over 30 listed companies and featured expert briefings from global institutions including Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) and MSCI.

The training is part of SSE's broader strategy to raise the quality and comparability of ESG disclosures among its listed companies, with the goal of aligning more closely with international sustainability reporting standards and investment expectations.

Bridging Global Standards and Local Progress

As ESG becomes an increasingly decisive factor in capital allocation, global investors are placing greater scrutiny on the transparency and credibility of corporate sustainability disclosures. Representatives from NBIM—one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds and a major investor in Chinese equities—outlined their responsible investment framework and engagement priorities. MSCI presented updates to its ESG rating methodology, including controversy assessments and data source verification, providing practical insights for companies aiming to improve their ESG profiles.

Discussions between SSE-listed companies and the guest institutions touched on how to reconcile ESG improvements with short-term financial pressures, best practices for data governance, and the role of third-party assurance in enhancing rating credibility.

A Maturing ESG Landscape in China

The event also highlighted China’s rapid progress in ESG adoption. In 2024, more than 1,300 companies listed on the SSE issued standalone ESG reports—raising the disclosure rate to 57%, the highest on record. The number of companies earning top ESG ratings from both domestic and international agencies has also grown steadily.

Despite diverging global views on ESG investing, international interest in China’s evolving regulatory framework and ESG performance remains robust. For institutional investors seeking long-term opportunities in emerging markets, SSE’s efforts to improve transparency and reporting discipline are viewed as positive signals.

Next Steps: Investor Engagement and ESG Capital Mobilization

Looking ahead, the SSE plans to expand its ESG engagement through additional roadshows and technical workshops designed to attract long-term international capital. The exchange aims to position itself as a gateway for value-aligned investment into China’s real economy by supporting listed companies in strengthening their ESG ratings and disclosure quality.

By facilitating direct dialogue between companies, rating agencies, and global investors, SSE is not only narrowing the ESG information gap—but also building the institutional infrastructure needed to deepen cross-border sustainable finance flows.