APB awarded Dark Green rating for Green Bond framework

The Agricultural Promotion Bank Co., Ltd. (APB) has completed preparations for the issuance of the first-ever Green Bond.
The assessment was conducted by S&P Global Singapore, one of the world’s leading providers of Second Party Opinions (SPOs) for green, social, and sustainability bond frameworks.
This is the first time in history that a commercial bank in Laos has achieved the top rating for a Green Bond framework.
In early October 2025, APB successfully concluded the project documentation in accordance with the regulations of the Lao Securities Commission Office (LSCO) and with technical support from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) for the development of the framework blueprint.
APB’s Green Bond Framework and Use of Proceeds are aligned with the highest standards of environmental policy, achieving a Dark Green classification in accordance with the international environmental impact assessment standards established by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA).
You can read the full report and details of the Green Bond rating from S&P Global (Singapore) at

The Green Bond is recognised as a sustainable financial instrument designed to mobilise capital market funds to provide loan financing for environmental conservation projects that advance Laos’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
This initiative is aligned with the commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement to address global climate challenges.
For the Agricultural Promotion Bank, this bond issuance represents not only a significant milestone in generating business returns but marks the first Green Bond issued by a financial institution in Laos, demonstrating the bank’s efforts to become a leader in green finance and pioneering the use of new financial instruments to support the development of environmentally friendly projects, thereby strengthening the financial sector’s contribution to Laos’Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
APB’s Use of Proceeds primarily aims to provide loan support to targeted sectors such as:
1. Supporting renewable energy projects such as small-scale hydropower (under 10 megawatts), solar energy, and wind energy.
2. Promoting clean transportation systems, especially electric vehicle (EV) projects for public use and the installation of EV chargers, for which the Lao government has set a target of 500 locations by 2030.
The announcement of APB’s Green Bond, with strong support from the relevant government agencies, represents a significant step in advancing the Lao PDR’s policies on green growth, climate action, and sustainable development in line with international standards.
The issuance was carried out in close collaboration with various government bodies and international non-governmental organisations to ensure that the framework and operational structure adhere to global best practices and foster confidence among both domestic and international investors.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update October 30, 2025)