The 13th edition of the show, held in Hong Kong from 25 ‒ 28 October 2018, welcomed a record 14,824 visitors from 106 countries and regions. With 54% of visitors coming from outside of Hong Kong, the expo lived up to its billing as an international gathering point for the environmental protection industry. Jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the fair is also co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The 2018 fair embraced the theme of “Waste Less Save More for a Low-carbon Future” to align with the global push to raise environmental awareness and strive for better waste management. Highlighted environmental sectors at the show included Waste Management and Recycling, Water Treatment and Quality Management, Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency and Green Transportation. In total, 338 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions participated. The Startup Zone also returned after a successful debut last year. 20 startups showcased their innovative new products and technologies offering a glimpse into the future direction of the green tech industry.
In line with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area scheme to link the cities in the region and strengthen economic integration, Eco Expo Asia saw pavilions and group participations from all nine municipalities in the region as well as the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao. The Greater Bay Area Zone represented a major presence at the fair. In recognition of the extensive green business opportunities emanating from the region, a Greater Bay Area Forum was also organised to reveal more about green projects and future developments of interest to the environmental protection industry.
Eco Asia Conference among the key event programme sessions to gather global green industry experts
The Eco Asia Conference is a high-level gathering that invites influential industry experts and academics from around the world to discuss important environmental issues. Some 40 speakers delivered talks and discussions on wide-ranging topics that touched on pressing environmental concerns affecting Hong Kong and Asia as well as far-reaching global issues. Meanwhile, a wide range of other event sessions delved into other essential environmental topics including smart construction, green transportation and a government department forum.
Mr Syed Mubarak, Director of Sustainability & MEP-Plant Operations, Sands China Ltd, attended the Green Buildings and the Renewable Energies and Usage sessions of the conference: “While the sessions focused on very different topics, they both offered abundant solutions to help combat climate change and that’s ultimately why we are all attending this fair, looking for fresh new ideas and to connect with different people.”
