BY KHIRTINI KUMARAN

Held in Hong Kong on Oct 26-29 , the Expo showcased diverse sectors , welcomed new participants from mainland China and Europe , and featured insightful discussions at the Eco Asia Conference .

Addressing the pressing need for sustainable solutions , the Expo spotlighted vital areas such as green transportation , hydrogen energy , waste reduction , and sustainable practices .

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

At the opening ceremony on Oct 26 , 2023 , Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the Hong Kong SAR Tse Chin-wan said : “ In the Policy Address announced by our Chief Executive , the Hong Kong Government will make every effort to promote the use and supply of new energy in sea , land and air transport , to spearhead the green transformation of the relevant trades .

“ We will also explore the development of new energy industrial chains to promote a green economy . The Eco Expo Asia serves as a green link for governments , the business sector and the trades from different places to exchange views , share experiences and learn from each other .

“ I look forward to joining hands with you all to identify possible environmental technologies and products to support the shift towards a low-carbon economy .”

HKTDC Acting Executive Director Sophia Chong said : “ Entering its 18th edition , Eco Expo Asia has become the leading trade and intelligence-sharing

Sophia Chong

Tse Chin-wan

platform showcasing cutting-edge green solutions worldwide .

“ Some of the highlighted topics at the fair include hydrogen energy , green transportation , circular economy , green buildings , green finance and ESG .

“ The three-day Eco Asia Conference concurrently held gathers industry experts to share their insights into hot environmental topics , such as Climate Change Framework for Built Environment , Evolving ESG Landscape and the Future of Sustainable Finance , Digital Transformation for a Circular Economy , green technologies and C40 Climate Action , facilitating regional and global collaboration in addressing the environmental issues of our time .”

A CONVERGENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

The Eco Expo Asia 2023 reflects a dedication to green initiatives and sustainable development . The Expo , mirroring the SAR Government ’ s policies , spotlights critical areas such as green transportation , hydrogen energy , waste reduction , and sustainable practices .

The Green Transportation Zone showcased a spectrum of new-energy vehicles and related equipment , emphasising hydrogen-powered vehicles , advanced charging infrastructure , and sustainable solutions for electric vehicle batteries .

The Hydrogen Pavilion featured leading energy companies , providing insights into the latest developments in hydrogen energy technology , complemented by discussions at The Fourth Hydrogen Economy Forum .

With the “ Building a Zero Waste Bay Area ” launch at the Eco Asia Conference , pavilions from Guangdong Province , Guangzhou , Shenzhen , and other Greater Bay Area cities unite to promote the Waste-Free Guangdong Beautiful Bay Area concept . Various pavilions , including Hong Kong , Macao , and Zhongshan , showcase cutting-edge waste reduction technologies and environmental policies .

The three-day Eco Asia Conference also featured officials worldwide to share insights on waste-free policies , climate change , and green finance . Key sessions include the C40 Climate Action Seminar focusing on global climate change and an in-depth discussion on the evolving ESG landscape and the future of sustainable finance .

Eco Expo Asia continues to be a platform for nurturing new talent in the industry , attracting nearly 20 start-ups seeking potential partners for their R & D products . The debut of the ESG Job Hub provided information and advice on employment related to environmental protection , including on-the-spot interviews for various positions .

Meanwhile , the ESG Career Talk included information and guidance on environmental-protection-related employment for students and job seekers . On-the-spot interviews for internships , part-time and full-time positions were arranged for potential candidates .

The final day of the Expo was designated as Public Day , offering free access to environmental talks , workshops , and the Green Mart to encourage the public , especially the younger generation , to embrace green living .

The Public Day aimed to raise awareness of climate-related issues and highlight collaborative efforts between the government and private sectors in combatting them .

NURTURING A GREENER TOMORROW

The Expo played a vital role in addressing the ongoing climate crisis by showcasing the latest technologies . The Eco Expo Asia platform not only played a crucial role in the industry ’ s growth in Hong Kong but also fostered collaboration between businesses across Asia and the world .

Eco Expo Asia 2023 saw the participation of over 300 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions , showcasing innovative environmental technologies and projects . Operating under the EXHIBITION + hybrid model , the event facilitated global connections through the smart business matching platform Click2Match , accessible until Nov 6 .

Eco Expo Asia 2023 , a collaborative effort by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council ( HKTDC ) and Messe Frankfurt ( HK ) Ltd , along with the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ( HKSAR ), drew 12,000 visitors from 112 countries and regions .

Eco Expo Asia 2024 will take place in late October at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong . – @ green