The Link Management Limited is pleased to announce that The Link Real Estate Investment Trust (“The Link”; Hong Kong stock code: 823) has been included in the highly regarded FTSE4Good Index Series, a first for Hong Kong-listed REITs. The Link is also the first Hong Kong-based business enterprise to be included in the FTSE4Good Index since 2009, confirming The Link’s compliance with internationally recognised social responsibility standards.

George Hongchoy, CEO of The Link Management Limited, said, “Sustainability and business development go hand in hand and are mutually reinforcing. The inclusion of The Link in the FTSE4Good Index Series is highly encouraging, and represents a strong testament to our corporate sustainability performance. By infusing sustainability into every aspect of our operations and setting clear and quantifiable targets, we are committed to improving the lives of those around us and building relationships with our stakeholders.  Our efforts are built upon our belief that sustainability is good for those around us, and therefore good for our business. In this regard, we have implemented a wide range of related initiatives in our daily operations to benefit our stakeholders.

To take our sustainability performance to higher levels, we have participated in a number of international charters in recent years, such as the United Nations Global Compact and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Manifesto for Energy Efficiency in Buildings. With the support of our unitholders, we have launched ‘The Link Together Initiatives’ as a new way to serve the community through donations and sponsorships, furthering our community engagement.

“In the summer of 2012, we launched The Link Community Sports Academy, which makes use of our sports venues to provide free formal sports training for children, teenagers, the elderly and rehabilitation groups in the community. In addition, we offer The Link Tenant Academy to enhance tenants’ business skills, and we work to drive revenue growth for tenants by broadening the trade mix at our property portfolio, organising attractive promotional programmes as well as upgrading customer service and the overall shopping environment.”

The FTSE4Good Index Series is one of the world’s most credible indices measuring the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. Transparent management and criteria make the FTSE4Good Index a valuable tool for the investment community when assessing or creating responsible investment products.