The 10th Edition of Eco Expo Asia Opens this October - Embracing a Green and Sustainable Future

Celebrating its 10th edition this year, Eco Expo Asia, the preeminent trading platform for green businesses in Asia, will gather industry experts and internationally renowned brands at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from 28 – 31 October 2015. The annual show is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, with co-organisation by the Environment Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

To draw the attention of the international community, a networking luncheon was held in March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event welcomed more than 70 representatives from consulates, business chambers, trade associations and leading companies. Attendees to the event were able to gain the latest insight on the emerging green market in Asia offered by guest speakers Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment of the Government of the HKSAR, and Ms Linda Ho, Chief Executive Officer from the Green Council.

Commenting on the show, Mr Wong said: “Eco Expo Asia is an exceptional platform which gathers government officials, international enterprises, professional buyers and major stakeholders within the environmental protection business. It helps promote the green industry as a whole.”

Mr Wong also addressed the recent measures on environmental protection by the government, including “A Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong” and “Hong Kong Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources 2013 – 2022”.

Quoting the air quality monitoring results, Mr Wong said: “Hong Kong’s air quality has improved over the past four years. Pollutants including carbon dioxide and respirable suspended particulates have also been reduced. The HKSAR government will strengthen its support by promoting the use of electric vehicles and measures. These initiatives include the implementation of more electric buses by cooperating with bus companies to adopt electric buses, as well as offering support to more electric taxi suppliers.”

“Embracing a Green and Sustainable Future” will be the theme of this year’s Eco Expo Asia, which is set in line with the Hong Kong Government’s policies on sustainable use of resources.

Mr Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director from HKTDC, expressed: “The 2015 edition will feature a collection of the latest environmental protection technologies, services and products. Air & Water Quality, Energy & Energy Efficiency, Green Building Solutions & Services, Green Transportation, and Waste Management & Recycling Services will be the main product categories of the fair.” He added: “Last year, the fair welcomed 308 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions as well as more than 10,800 buyers from 89 countries and regions. Eco Expo Asia is not only a business platform, but also a golden opportunity to promote the community’s involvement in environmental protection. This is one of the reasons why we introduced the Public Day to Eco Expo Asia since its inaugural edition, and it shall continue again this year.”

Mr Jason Cao, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd noted, “The ‘Theme Day’ will again be one of the fair’s highlights. Prominent speakers will share their valuable insight on the latest industry developments across Asia at the seminars. National pavilions including Japan, Korea and Switzerland are planning to join the Expo this year so as to showcase their latest green technologies and solutions.”

Ms Linda Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Green Council was also invited to share her experience of joining the Expo since its first edition. She said: “Green Council has joined the fair since 2006 to promote their Green Label Scheme. Eco Expo Asia is an important platform to display Green Label products in Hong Kong throughout the show. Some local companies developing green building materials have successfully promoted their products to Singapore.”

Mrs Rita Hammerli-Weschke, Consul General of the Consulate General of Switzerland, and Mr Hiroshi Onomura, Director General of JETRO Hong Kong, also shared their past experiences during the luncheon.

Mrs Hammerli-Weschke said, "Swiss companies have participated at the Eco Expo Asia for two years. Solutions related to energy efficiency, removal of hazardous waste, waste-to-energy from our Swiss participants have gained excellent response. Based on the successful results in the previous year, they plan to continue to utilise the platform this year.”

JETRO, organiser of the Japan Pavilion, has participated at the fair since 2013. A total of nine companies formed the Japan Pavilion last year. Mr Hiroshi Onomura expressed, “The show draws an international mix of buyers every year. Apart from those from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, many of them are from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. We will return to the fair this year and share our knowledge and experience over environmental protection.”