Eco Expo Asia Hits Decade Mark with Debut of Illinois and Taiwan Pavilions

Entering its 10th edition this year, Eco Expo Asia is poised to become one of the most influential trading platforms for green technologies and solutions in Asia. The show is jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and co-hosted by the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Moreover, Eco Expo Asia is supported by the Chinese mainland and international governments, as well as various renowned industry associations.

Making its first appearance at Eco Expo Asia’s 10th edition will be the Illinois Pavilion. The show has long attracted the attention of green businesses in the US and will serve as a launch pad for a delegation from the State of Illinois, as well as other US enterprises in the future, to tap the expanding green market in Asia.

Commenting on the show, Ms Kitty Leung, Managing Director at the State of Illinois Far East Office, said: “Water plays a significant role in Illinois’ economy. Illinois is home to the world’s largest wastewater treatment plant and also has access to the world’s largest freshwater reserve. With our leadership position in the water treatment industry and our state-of-the-art technologies, we are attending Eco Expo Asia this year to cultivate new business partnerships and meet visitors.”

Another debut at the 2015 show will be the Taiwan Pavilion, organised by Taiwan’s Green Trade Promotion Office (GTPO). Ready to take centre stage in Asia’s eco industry, companies from Taiwan will showcase a full range of eco-friendly solutions that represent the pavilion’s “Green Trends for Healthy and Sustainable Living” theme.

Regarding the fair, Ms Sherry Tsou, Green Trade Promotion Office in Taiwan, expressed: “With Asia’s rising concerns for a cleaner environment and production, the green-tech market in the region is in full swing. Taking part in the expo not only helps strengthen Taiwan’s industry position in the global marketplace, but also allows us to reach foreign investors. We are looking forward to being a part of the 10th anniversary event.”

Apart from this year’s new pavilions and the ongoing support of a number of other world-renowned exhibitors, Eco Expo Asia’s international profile is further bolstered by the return of the Japan and Switzerland pavilions as well as local pavilions organised by Green Council and Green Technology Consortium.

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has been organising the Japan Pavilion since 2013. Regarded as a hub of innovation, Japan is a pioneer in green technologies and solutions, and JETRO is committed to promoting the unique capabilities of Japanese companies. Deeming Eco Expo Asia as a gateway to the Chinese market, Japanese corporations will once again exhibit their latest offerings to buyers from around the globe.

Mr Hiroshi Onomura, Director General of JETRO, said: “The show draws an international mix of buyers from places such as Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The number of business meetings we had in 2014 doubled from the previous year and we will return in 2015 to share more about Japanese companies involved in the environmental business.”

Also present at the show will be the Switzerland Pavilion, which has been a faithful participant for the past two years. With a pledge to cut its greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, Switzerland is determined to further reduce emission levels across different sectors. Such development echoes the considerable demand for green-tech solutions in the air quality, energy efficiency, green building and waste management sectors in Asia.

Mrs Rita Hämmerli-Weschke, Consul General at the Consulate General of Switzerland, said: "Swiss companies have participated in Eco Expo Asia for two years. Solutions related to energy efficiency, removal of hazardous waste and waste-to-energy from our Swiss participants all gained an excellent response. Based on the successful results in the previous years, the Swiss businesses plan to continue utilising the platform in 2015.”

Adding to the strong line-up of exhibitors are internationally and locally renowned industry players, which include Green Dynamic, Honest Motors, Life Air, Pentens, REC, Robin Energy, Synergy Group and Volkswagen.

To meet the city’s 40% waste reduction target by 2022, Hong Kong is launching a comprehensive strategy which includes reduction at the source, the introduction of Producer Responsibility Schemes and strengthened measures on waste collection and separation. In a bid to achieve this aggressive goal, the government is also urging private companies to help construct waste treatment infrastructure including the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) treatment plant, Sludge Treatment Facility (STF) and Organic Waste Treatment Facilities (OWTFs). Companies from the waste management and recycling sector that will exhibit at the show include ALBA IWS, Baguio, Envac, Hellatron, OWAC Srl, Perfect Green, SUEZ environnement and more.

“It was our first time participating in Eco Expo Asia last year and we were very delighted with the results. The show helped us to promote our corporate image and successfully heightened the industry’s interest in our company. Given Baguio’s commitment to developing a clean and green community, we are looking forward to promoting the concept of waste management this year, particularly the importance of sorting, processing and recycling,” said Mr Ivan Leung, Corporate Communication Manager at Baguio Green Group.

With a number of pressing environmental challenges worldwide, Eco Expo Asia 2015 aims to serve as a holistic platform that offers greener solutions, as well as enables companies, government officials and individuals to connect.