Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser, and co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the 13th edition of Eco Expo Asia will run later this month. It will feature some 330 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions, according to a recent report.
Groups from the Chinese mainland’s Hunan, Zhaoqing and Inner Mongolia will participate for the first time, joining 13 international pavilions to showcase the latest green technologies.
In line with the government’s efforts to push the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, various cities will gather in the Greater Bay Area Zone to present local green opportunities. The Environment Bureau will cooperate with different government departments to form an HKSAR Government booth, the largest zone at the expo, to promote environmental policies and a range of green projects.
As the issue of climate change and other environmental challenges become more imperative, the business sector and governments across Asia have been actively promoting waste reduction and energy saving, according to HKTDC’s Deputy Executive Director.
As Asia’s leading innovative technology hub, Hong Kong can provide the latest solutions for carbon reduction and drive the region’s development of the environmental industry through such events, which bring together a wide array of innovative green products and technologies.
There are plenty of business opportunities in the green market. According to the government’s Census and Statistics Department, the value added by Hong Kong’s environmental industry in 2016 was HK$8.4 billion, growing 6.7% year on year.
Statistics also showed that investment in the environmental sector on the Chinese mainland, including environmental pollution control, waste management and energy-saving, is projected to exceed Rmb$15 trillion during the 13th Five-Year Plan period.
Hong Kong’s leaders hope the event will enhance cooperation and exchange between the government and industry players, promote the enormous opportunities in Asia, encourage the business sector and government departments to conduct green sourcing, and help to raise public awareness on environmental issues.
Nine Thematic Zones: Start-up Zone Showcases Innovative Green Technology
To promote waste-reduction awareness among businesses and the public, the expo will feature nine thematic zones, including Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency, Green Transportation, Waste Management and Recycling and the Start-up zone, presenting a comprehensive range of green products and technologies.
An increasing number of start-up companies are being attracted to invest in research and development in green products and technologies. The expo’s Start-up Zone will feature products from 20 growing companies, offering them a prime opportunity to connect with potential investors and business partners.
Some of the start-up products and technologies were showcased at recently at the expo press conference, with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) highlighting its patented innovative soundproofing metamaterials that outperforms traditional soundproofing material such as sponge and rock wool.
This pioneering technology is highly effective in blocking sound in adverse conditions and can be applied to power generation and energy systems, transportation and household appliances.
Green Transportation Zone: Ready and Charged for a Test Drive/Ride
One of the hottest environmental trends is the development of green transportation that will help to reduce exhaust emissions and carbon footprint. Several eco-vehicles and charging devices will be on display at the expo, including the Nissan e-NV200 electric car that is equipped with a 40kWh high-capacity lithium battery offering 80% chargeability in 40 minutes.
Eco Asia Conference: To Unveil Green Policies and Business Opportunities
The conference will run concurrently with the expo, bringing together government officials and business leaders from various countries and regions to share their insights on a range of issues. Experts from Australia, Canada and Hong Kong will discuss smart water management solutions and the latest wireless sensor network for metropolitan smart drainage systems.
Officials from the Hong Kong’s governmental departments, together with other mainland officials, will share the country’s latest green policies and initiatives to prevent water pollution in the pan-Pearl River Delta region. In addition, there will be a symposium wherein experts from the UK, Australia and Singapore will discuss the latest developments in construction noise-control policies and innovative methods for quieter construction.
Green Mart and Workshops on Public Day to Promote Green Living
The expo will open its doors to the public on the last day of the event to promote green living. Free shuttle bus services will be offered between the venue and other locations in the city throughout the fair period.
Visitors can shop for innovative environmentally friendly products and health products at the Green Mart, and join sustainable workshops to make frosted glass jar lamps. A documentary, which highlights Hong Kong’s plastic-waste problem, will also premiere on Public Day.
Moreover, a representative from the Hong Kong Observatory will assess the impact of global warming on Hong Kong while a Water Supplies Department representative will share tips on smart water usage.
