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Navigating the Climate-Competitiveness Nexus: Corporate Strategies to Leverage Border Carbon Adjustments for Deep Decarbonization
Climate Finance Asia and World Economic Forum Launch Collaborative Study on Competitiveness-Focused Decarbonization Strategies
Hong Kong SAR, 30 July 2025 — Climate Finance Asia announces a new collaboration with the World Economic Forum on a study titled “Navigating the Climate-Competitiveness Nexus: Corporate Strategies to Leverage Border Carbon Adjustments for Deep Decarbonization”. This joint project is part of the Forum’s Climate Finance Innovation workstream, under its Centre for Nature and Climate.
The study will examine how industrial stakeholders, particularly in high-emission sectors such as steel, cement, energy, and chemicals, are responding to the evolving landscape of carbon pricing and border carbon adjustment (BCA) policies. The focus is on large corporations in China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, evaluating responses to emerging frameworks, such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), as well as similar policies emerging elsewhere.
Project Activities
The study will include:
- Five corporate case studies from BASIC countries, informed by interviews and focus group discussions with C-suite executives from high-emission and hard-to-abate sectors;
- A series of regional workshops to share preliminary findings and gather feedback, including one during Hong Kong Green Week (September 2025). A final dissemination workshop in Brazil is under consideration, potentially aligned with COP30;
- Publication of a White Paper in late 2025, offering strategies for companies to navigate compliance, competitiveness, and decarbonisation in a fragmented carbon pricing and BCA landscape, as well as policy recommendations.
Strategic Importance
As carbon pricing systems diversify and expand globally, BCA policies are emerging policy instruments to address emissions embedded in traded goods. While these mechanisms aim to support climate goals, their implications for trade, investment, and corporate strategy, particularly in emerging economies, require deeper exploration.
This study will contribute to a more informed dialogue on how unilateral approaches like BCAs can evolve toward greater interoperability and multilateral alignment, offering guidance for both business and policy communities.
“We are honoured to collaborate with the World Economic Forum on this timely and impactful initiative,” said Alan To, CEO of Climate Finance Asia. “Our goal is to help companies identify practical strategies to align climate ambition with business resilience, especially in sectors most exposed to carbon-related trade measures.”
Next Steps
Climate Finance Asia will share project updates and engagement opportunities through its website and LinkedIn. The final White Paper will be launched publicly and disseminated via the World Economic Forum’s global network.
About Climate Finance Asia
Climate Finance Asia (CF Asia) is a mission-driven business focused on tackling the climate challenge through sustainable finance tools. Founded in 2008 as Carbon Care Asia, CF Asia is a team of experienced environmental and social development professionals across Asia that deliver high-quality advisory services on sustainable finance in the region.
Learn more at www.climatefinanceasia.com
Enquiry: info@climatefinanceasia.com