Eco Expo Asia is set to present its 12th edition at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong, from 26 to 29 October 2017. Organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the expo serves as a gateway to the flourishing green market in Asia. It has obtained a positive reputation among the Hong Kong, Chinese mainland and various international government bodies as well as trade associations over the last decade. The 2016 edition attracted a record-breaking number of 325 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions and 13,458 trade visitors from 107 countries and regions.
This year, the expo is illustrated by the new theme “Innovative Solutions for Greener Cities”, which is comprised of the highlighted categories of Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency, Green Transportation, Waste Management and Recycling as well as Water Treatment and Quality Management. Also, there will be a spotlight on green start-ups focused on innovative sustainable development and related solutions.
The 12th edition of Eco Expo Asia will continue to feature a strong line-up of global exhibitors, demonstrating an international profile which is bolstered by the involvement of international pavilions. Through the assistance of a number of renowned industry associations and national trade offices, several pavilions have confirmed their participation in the 2017 edition, providing a comprehensive display of the latest green technologies, solutions and products from around the world.
Premiering at Eco Expo Asia in 2014, the Korea Pavilion returns to the expo this year. Korea Environmental Industry Association (KEIA) organises the pavilion with the goal of gathering Korean companies to showcase their cutting-edge environmental technologies, which are applicable to a diverse range of sectors.
Also present at the expo will be the Switzerland Pavilion, which has been a loyal participant for the past four years. The pavilion returns with a range of brands specialised in technologies and solutions related to waste management and recycling, water treatment and quality management.
The Canada Pavilion, led by the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and the Ontario Ministry of International Trade, will again bring numerous green-tech companies together from different regions across the country to reveal their green innovations this year.
Apart from the positive support from international pavilions, government departments in Hong Kong including the Architectural Services Department, the Hong Kong Observatory and the Water Supplies Department have also confirmed their participation in this year’s edition. The return of key exhibitors, Baguio and Robin Energy are also expected.
Thriving investment opportunities in Asia’s green market backed by governments’ environmental policies
Asian countries are emerging as influential investors in global renewable energy investments. In 2016, the total global investment in renewable energy reached USD 241.6 billion. The total investment of the Chinese mainland, Japan and India has already accounted for more than 40% of the global share, not to speak of other Asian countries.
The Chinese mainland is determined to address its water quality issues. According to “The 13th Five Year Plan – National Urban Sewage Treatment and Recycling Facilities Construction Plan” published in December 2016, the Chinese mainland aims to cover all urban areas with wastewater treatment facilities by the end of 2020, with the urban sewage treatment rate reaching up to 95%. The initiative will create an investment potential of USD 81.8 billion (RMB 564.4 billion) for urban sewage treatment.
Hong Kong also aims to reduce its municipal solid waste disposal rate by 40% per capita by 2022. After the opening of the T – PARK, the first self-sustained sludge treatment facility in Hong Kong in 2016, Phase One of the Organic Waste Treatment Facility will be commissioned in 2017 and Phase Two is expected to contract let in 2018.
