13th Eco Expo Asia returns with a new show theme

The 13th edition of Eco Expo Asia, to be held in Hong Kong from 25 ‒ 28 October 2018, is jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), and co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The 2017 edition of the show saw more than 14,000 visitors attend from over 100 countries and regions, while the fair gathered 335 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions, including 16 overseas and local pavilions and group participations.

The Environment Bureau will roll out its Municipal Solid Waste Charging Scheme in 2019 in order to tackle Hong Kong’s waste generation and improve its reduction and management. To echo with this drive for better waste management, Eco Expo Asia has adopted a new show theme ‒ “Waste Less Save More for a Low-carbon Future”. By aligning the fair in this way, the organisers hope to increase awareness of current pressing environmental issues and also to facilitate the exchange of technology and solutions from around the world.

As a part of waste management, recycling has recently become a much more acute issue. Due to new measures implemented this year in reforming the import of recyclables in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong like many other countries and regions requires new strategies. In an effort to stimulate the recycling industry, more than USD2.5 million has been earmarked under the Recycling Fund to encourage further development in the local recycling sector.

Additionally, the Chinese mainland government has announced a raft of new measures to tackle environmental issues including the establishment of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment to regulate waste management. One example of the need for new solutions can be seen in the recent explosion in online food delivery services in the country which generates a staggering 60 million plastic cartons of waste every day. The scale of such environmental challenges as well as new initiatives being announced demonstrates the wealth of investment opportunities in Hong Kong and the wider region.

Hong Kong, well-known for its international standing and status as a global hub, continues to attract leading global companies who wish to do business in Asia. Eco Expo Asia’s international pavilions and group participations remain key to upholding the fair’s international outlook.

The Canada pavilion will join the show for the fourth consecutive year. Organised by the Ontario Ministry of International Trade and the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong, the pavilion will display the latest solutions from Canada with a strong focus on the water and waste sectors.

Providing a trusted and reliable platform for businesses, Mr Jonathan Gur, President and CEO, ION Enterprises, spoke during last year's show about why he continues to exhibit at Eco Expo Asia: “I have had quality professionals come and visit me who understand the systems I am exhibiting straight away. Tradeshows can be worthwhile if you have the right type of visitors attending and you are under the right platform. Hong Kong is the gateway to Asia and I have enjoyed business meetings already with businesses from the region. I will be here for sure next year.”

Echoing with efforts to increase economic integration with the Greater Bay Area, a number of Chinese pavilions from the region are also set to join the fair once again.
For the first time at the show the Environmental Protection Department will occupy a joint stand with other Hong Kong government departments. In what’s set to be the largest exhibit at the fair and in an effort to take the lead and demonstrate the government’s commitment to making Hong Kong a low-carbon city, the departments will showcase environmental protection projects being undertaken as well as those currently in the pipeline.

Some of the biggest names in the environmental protection business from Hong Kong will also be present at the show. Those leading the way include Baguio Green Group Ltd, China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection (Hong Kong) Investment Co Ltd and SUEZ NWS Ltd.

As a leading trade fair in Asia for environmental protection, a wide range of environmental product categories will be featured at the show, including Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency, Green Transportation, and Water Treatment and Quality Management. The Startup Zone will also return after its successful debut last year. Its aim is to encourage green startups to explore more business opportunities and connect with investors at the show.