• The second annual Eco Expo Asia attracted more than 5,000 visitors from 89 countries & regions
• E xhibitors expressed their satisfaction at the internationality of the buyers
• Eco Asia Conference was held during the fair to provide the industry players with the latest trends and developments.

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International Business Hub for the Environmental Protection Industry

The second edition of Eco Expo Asia, organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Messe Frankfurt , successfully ran from 27 – 30 October 2007 at the AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong. Being the only trade fair dedicated to the environmental protection products and services in Hong Kong, it attracted over 5,000 visitors including 2,000 trade buyers from overseas, proving its relevance and growing importance for the environmental industry. The majority of visitors came from the Chinese mainland, followed by the USA, Canada, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.

The Expo showcased the latest trends, technology and products of environmental protection in three zones: Green World focused on environmental systems and technologies that can be implemented on national or regional level ; Green Enterprise demonstrated environmentally-friendly systems and products for business operations ; while Green Living concentrated on eco-friendly consumer products and services.

Exhibitors’ feedbacks were all round positive and they were impressed with the high level of internationality. International exhibitor, Mrs. Yeo Kim Luang, Managing Director of Ecofibre Technology, said, “As a second-time exhibitor, we have noticed an increase in international attendance, especially in the number of traders who are interested in biodegradable products. Hong Kong is the key to Asia and we will certainly return next year.”

Japanese exhibitor, Ms. Tadayuki Sakamoto, Director of Koyoh Co., a water purifier distributor and manufacturer, noted the high level of attendance of local visitors. “We are very impressed with the overall quality of the visitor attendance and have received great feedback from local buyers who are interested in sourcing our products. We are pleased to have participated in this year’s event.”

Fair organisers have arranged the visits of 24 buying missions and have invited more than 520 VIPs to attend the fair. International VIPs perceived Eco Expo Asia as a key annual event to participate. Mr. Andrzej Pieczonka, Polish Consul for Commercial Affairs to Hong Kong & Macau, stated, “We came here to exchange new ideas with professionals in the local environmental industry.”

Visitor Ms. Lee-Ann Ford, President of LINC (Linking Individuals for Nature Conservation), a Non-Government Organisation, commented on the relevance of such an event in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong. “Eco Expo Asia is an event that contributes to Hong Kong's environmental protection community. These sorts of events are highly effective and I rate this year's event as an ongoing success. The partnerships created at the expo will potentially contribute to a healthier, cleaner global environment.”

Local Exhibitor, Mr. King Cheng, Executive Director of 3Tech Corporate, provider of renewable & alternative power systems and energy, also shared Ms. Ford’s opinion. “I am exceptionally pleased to be part of this event. It is an informative contact point for NGO’s and government organisations, which we would never have had the opportunity to meet with prior to this show.”

Running in tandem with the fair, the highly regarded Eco Asia Conference returned on 27, 29 & 30 October 2007. The three-day conference covered a variety of environmentally themed topics of concern in Asia today including water & air, waste management & recycling and alternative energy & energy efficiency.

The impressive speaker panel, consisting of Professor Chak Chan, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Ms. Audrey Mascarenhas, President & CEO of Canadian Questor Technology; Dr. C.W. Tso, General Manager of The Hong Kong Electric Company and Mr. Kenny Wong, Principal Consultant of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, focused on issues affecting the global community while exploring possible solutions to problems that would encourage open discussions during the conference.

Visitor Ms. Jessica Bellas, Project Manager of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University commented, “The conference was interesting with many significant topics and more importantly with knowledgeable speakers.”

The fair was open ed to the public on the 30 October attracting individuals, families and children from schools from all over Hong Kong attended . A half-day forum was held for the public to learn more about making Hong Kong greener.

More to see in 2008
The third edition of Eco Expo Asia will take place from 28-31 October 2008 at AsiaWorld-Expo, concurrently with the Hong Kong International Building and Decoration Materials & Hardware Fair, the Hong Kong International Furniture Fair and Sports Source Asia . The Hong Kong International Lighting Fair will also be held from 27 -30 October 2008 at HKCEC to bring more business opportunities. Let the legend continue and be prepared to visit this exciting event in 2008 .