Eco Expo Asia 2017

Dates: 26–29 October 2017
Companies: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong SAR

The 12th edition of Eco Expo Asia welcomed 335 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions, including 16 overseas and local pavilions and group participations. The 2017 edition drew a record 14,029 visitors from more than 100 countries and regions, with a 30 per cent increase in overseas visitors

Eco Expo Asia embraced a theme of Innovative Solutions for Greener Cities. Highlighted product categories included Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency, Green Transportation, Waste Management and Recycling, as well as Water Treatment and Quality Management.

Government departments welcomed the opportunity to discuss recent Green projects and initiatives during the debut Government Departments’ Forum. “The Government Departments’ Forum was a great platform to facilitate communication between government departments and industry players,” Ip Man-wai, senior project manager of the Architectural Services Department, explained. “Every project involves a series of policies and they may affect different stakeholders within the community. It was terrific to have such an interactive platform for us to showcase the technologies in the projects and share our ideas with the audience.”

The Eco Asia Conference was a series of sessions and talks on environmental protection topics by nearly 50 government officials and experts. The Smart Sponge City – Self Sustainable Water Cycle session was co-organised by the Water Supplies Department and Drainage Services Department, while the Green Buildings session was co-organised by the Business Environment Council and the Hong Kong Green Building Council.

A new Start-up Zone was organised this year to help Green start-ups explore more business opportunities and connect with investors. A wide range of Green initiatives was on display, including smart thermostats, urban farming designs, recycled bamboo footwear, air filters and electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment.

Michelle Hong, co-founder of Rooftop Republic Urban Farming, was keen to take advantage of the new initiative. “The ethos of our company very much aligns with the theme of Eco Expo Asia—environmental sustainability and Green solutions. The show has helped us to broaden our clientele and reach out to new potential partners. We managed to meet representatives from the Mass Transit Railway and a couple of hotels whom we are keen to work with.”

“Before attending the expo, most of our clients have been from the construction industry. However, after gaining feedback from visitors, we have realised that our product can be used in a diverse array of industries,” said Joanne Shi, a graduate engineer with Acoustics Innovation Ltd, Hong Kong, the supplier of Silent UP, a retractable noise barrier.

A Start-up Forum was also held for the first time, with a series of talks introducing innovative approaches to Asia-centred issues. Topics included how to establish Green communities in urban spaces, modern hygiene technology, and utilising air-conditioners as air purification machines.

The next edition of Eco Expo Asia will be held from 25 to 28 October 2018 at Asia World-Expo. For more information, visit www.ecoexpoasia.com.