ASrIA - Press releases & notable news

The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, rated Aaa/AAA) and Daiwa Securities Group announced today final terms for the World Bank’s inaugural issuance of Green World Bank Bonds designed specifically for investors in Japan. Green World Bank Bonds support projects in the World Bank’s member countries that meet specific criteria for low-carbon development, and are an opportunity for investors to support climate solutions through their investment. The World Bank raised NZD 150 million (approximately USD 110.7 million equivalent) through these 5-year bonds.

“Tackling climate change will take immense resources that will only come from a well-orchestrated flow of public and private finance. Green World Bank Bonds are an important early effort to show one way in which this can be done. We appreciate the support from Japanese investors as it demonstrates that private citizens can safely and profitably invest their savings today while also helping provide a better world for their children,” said Robert B. Zoellick, President of the World Bank Group.

The issuance was arranged by Daiwa Capital Markets Co. Ltd, the wholesale securities firm under the Daiwa Securities Group, and distributed by Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd. to Japanese retail and institutional investors.

“Climate change is widely recognized as the major environmental problem facing the earth. It is everyone’s mission to take action against it. To this end, Daiwa Securities Group is pleased to announce the launch of the first Green World Bank Bond transaction in Japan in collaboration with The World Bank. The bond will give Japanese individuals the opportunity of safely investing their money knowing the proceeds will be used to foster projects that are environmentally friendly.” said Shigeharu Suzuki, President and CEO of Daiwa Securities Group Inc.

Summary terms:
Amount: NZD150,000,000
Settlement date: Feb. 2, 2010
Maturity date: Jan. 29, 2015
Redemption Amount: 100%
Coupon: 5.23% S.A.
Denomination: NZD1,000
Clearing systems: Euroclear, Clearstream
Lead Manager: Daiwa Capital Markets Europe Limited

Green World Bank Bonds support World Bank-funded projects that are designed to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change in the developing world. The types of projects that may be supported by Green World Bank Bonds include alternative energy installations, funding for new technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reforestation, watershed management and flood protection. The proceeds of the issuance will be credited to a special account that will be used to support these sorts of projects. To date, the World Bank has issued the equivalent of approximately US$960 million of Green World Bank Bonds.