The 21st Eco Expo Asia 2026, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, opened today at AsiaWorld-Expo. Running from 26 to 29 October under the theme 'Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future', the expo brings together over 340 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, including first-time participants Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The event serves as a critical platform for showcasing green technologies and fostering international collaboration, aligning with Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan and the latest Policy Address, which prioritise building a green and liveable city.
The expo's significance is underscored by the participation of some 200 senior officials and representatives from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Belt and Road and ASEAN countries. HKTDC Executive Director Sophia Chong emphasised the expo's role in harnessing Hong Kong's strengths as an international business centre and smart green technology hub. "Through the Expo, we hope to promote cross-region collaboration and enable enterprises to enter new markets and unlock fresh opportunities," she said. The event also features the debut of the ASEAN Pavilion, bringing together seven ASEAN countries and 12 green technology ventures, further strengthening regional ties.
A key highlight is the inaugural Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference, jointly organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, held concurrently on 26 October. This integration maximises synergy and reinforces Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" in advancing regional and international green cooperation. The expo also introduces the GoGlobal Connect Zone for the first time, supporting Chinese Mainland environmental enterprises in reaching international markets through Hong Kong's professional services. This initiative is part of the HKTDC's efforts to assist companies in expanding globally, as detailed on its website.
The expo is structured around four thematic areas: "Green Energy in Motion", "Frontier Green Tech", "Building for a Greener City" and "From Waste to Worth". These align with the latest decarbonisation policies, including China's 15th Five-Year Plan action plan for carbon peaking. Notable exhibitors include EcoCeres Limited, the world's second largest sustainable aviation fuel producer, and TriTerra Technology Limited, showcasing the slimmest wall-mounted DC Fast EV charger. The "Frontier Green Tech" area features about 30 start-ups and university spin-offs, such as the Chinese University of Hong Kong's high-strength bacterial cellulose films upcycled from tea waste.
Over 80 government, industry and academic leaders will speak across more than 30 forums and thematic sessions. The Eco Asia Conference, the flagship event, explores green development from multiple perspectives, including policy, technology and green finance. On 27 October, the government session will feature updates from the Chinese Mainland and the United Nations Environment Programme, while the Government Department Forum will brief the industry on procurement needs. The 7th Hydrogen Economy Forum on 28 October will discuss green fuels and energy storage technologies. Public Day on 29 October offers free admission, with interactive workshops and talks to deepen public understanding of sustainability.
The expo's international reach is further evidenced by the return of pavilions from Canada, Italy, Korea and the Netherlands, and the participation of Qinghai Province for the first time. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation leads 11 local start-ups, while the HKSAR Government booth introduces a comprehensive experience zone for green technology. For more information on the event and its initiatives, visit the Eco Expo Asia website. Media resources are available at the HKTDC Mediaroom, and details on Messe Frankfurt's sustainability efforts can be found at www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability.
