Eco Expo Asia, the leading professional trade fair focused on green business in Hong Kong, concluded with record-breaking attendance from professionals involved in major sectors of green technology. Held from 27 – 30 October 2012 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, the fair attracted 11,550 visitors from 94 countries and regions.
Top ten origins for overseas visitor recruitment included the Chinese mainland, Macau, the Philippines, Taiwan, the US, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, Canada and Korea (same figure as Canada).
Organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as co-organiser, the four-day show hosted 271 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions. Exhibitors at the show hailed from Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Chinese mainland, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan and the US.
Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, presided over the opening ceremony for the 2012 show. He noted: “The scale of the Eco Expo has grown considerably over the past years, with a much wider representation not only from local, but also from Chinese mainland and overseas companies and delegations. The fair also showcases the latest environmental technologies, products and services in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Exhibitors commend the fair as an exceptional platform for growing markets
Eco Expo Asia 2012 offered exhibitors the chance to present a wide range of innovations in green technology to market that has grown increasingly concerned about environmental protection. Several specialty zones were created to group exhibitors with similar businesses. Thematic zones focused on air and water quality, eco-friendly products, energy efficiency and energy, green building, waste management and recycling as well as several other areas of green technology’s application, made sourcing efforts seamless for the shows attendees.
First time exhibitor, Carpet Cleaner Dry Cleaning Systems Ltd, came to the fair in search of distributors and business partners for its revolutionary yet simple commercial carpet cleaning solution brand from Germany, MayorPure. Mr Joerg-Michael Reuther, CEO of the company commented: “This show has been a great success to our business. We made a substantial number of new contacts during the fair. We’re very happy to be here. The organisation of the fair was well designed. I’m sure we will come back again next year.”
For exhibitor Dongjiang Environmental Co Ltd, Eco Expo Asia presented the chance to not only promote their firm, but also the importance of waste treatment and the innovations coming from Chinese mainland firms. Ms Li Yue, Administration Specialist for the company exclaimed: “We normally work with government authorities when it comes to selling our solution, but we came to the fair to connect with local government officials as well as explore new business opportunities. The visitor quality was good and they had relevant knowledge on this topic. The professionalism of this fair is very strong.”
Mr MC Wong, Project Manger, Keppel Integrated Engineering Limited from Singapore, attended the fair to promote his firm’s comprehensive environmental solutions and services. He said: “Each of the last two years we were here, our goals were achieved. More than half of the visitors are from the Chinese mainland and South East Asia, so it matches the clients we are looking for. The exhibition is good for branding, and enables us to meet with potential partners and buyers, especially those coming from Chinese mainland governmental departments and non-profit organisations. I think the show is useful for the whole industry as well.”
Diverse selection of technologies and readymade solutions enjoyed by visitors
The 2012 show offered a variety of technologies and products to visitors. Whether they worked in government or were industrial facility operators or even distributors, retailers or wholesalers, visitors to the fair were treated to suppliers with solutions that could benefit their businesses. Additionally, the fair also received 48 buying missions that included 1,234 delegates.
Regular show visitor Mr Denis Ducasse, Director, Deko Green Ltd from Mauritius, praised the number of firms displaying breakthrough innovations at the fair. He mentioned: “It’s my third time visiting the fair and the results have been very good. My firm specialises in importing energy-saving lighting products and waste management systems, and I found some great relevant suppliers at the show. I’ll definitely continue coming to the fair.”
Representing the Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision of Foshan in the Chinese mainland, Ms Deng Jinyun, Head of Energy Saving Technology, came to learn about the latest green solutions her firm could recommend to businesses they work with. She expressed: “The show is very helpful. The technologies and products here are more advanced, comprehensive and professional, compared to the mainland fairs I have visited. I can get first-hand information from this fair, which was my main objective for visiting Eco Expo Asia.”
Another frequent visitor, Ms Allison Magalhaes, CEO, Go Green Limited from Trinidad & Tobago, noted the show’s ability to offer green products from around the world. She added: “I came to look for new ideas and things that can enhance what we are doing. I found a carpet dry cleaning system from Germany that was fascinating, and which I am considering placing an order for. Another self-cleaning paint from a Japanese exhibitor was also very interesting. The show means a lot to me and is one I prefer to attend regularly.”
Informative fringe programmes captured eco business’ major trends
Held concurrently with the fair, Eco Asia Conference 2012 aimed to offer industry professionals news on the latest trends in green technology. Occurring from 29 – 30 October, the conference hosted 13 sessions that discussed topics on green building, green transportation as well as waste management and recycling.
Mr Greg Jeffers, Director, Green Building Solutions Center, Schneider Electric (China) Co Ltd, led a well-received discussion on the collaborative effort needed in order to successfully develop intelligent green buildings. He noted: “My goal was to engage the forum’s attendees and make them see the issues currently faced by industry professionals in the Chinese mainland’s green building development. It is my first time here; audiences were knowledgeable and offered some good questions and debate. I’ll be back again next year as the region continues to grow.”
Audience member to several of the conference’s sessions, Mr Jacky HL Chan, Senior Manager, R&D Department, Regal Motors Ltd (HK), was impressed by the wealth of information that he could apply to his business. “I work and develop zero-emission electric buses and vehicles. I found the topics in the seminar closely related to my profession. We are now working hard to solve different problems, such as the power supply for recharging and the potential for cooperation with energy plants. The industry needs seminars like this as we all need to update innovative ideas and technology, as well as learn from the professionals from other parts of the world.”
The next edition of Eco Expo Asia will be held from 28 – 31 October 2013 at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong. For more information, please email ecoexpo@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com, or exhibitions@hktdc.org, or visit www.ecoexpoasia.com.
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Background information on Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is Germany’s leading trade fair organiser, with 467.5 million euros in sales and 1,725 active employees worldwide. The Messe Frankfurt Group has a global network of 28 subsidiaries and approx. 50 international Sales Partners, giving it a presence for its customers in more than 150 countries. Events “made by Messe Frankfurt” take place at more than 30 locations around the globe. In 2011, Messe Frankfurt organised 100 trade fairs, of which more than half took place outside Germany.
Messe Frankfurt’s exhibition grounds, featuring 578,000 square metres, are currently home to ten exhibition halls and an adjacent Congress Center. The company is publicly owned, with the City of Frankfurt holding 60 percent and the State of Hesse 40 percent.
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com
Background information on HKTDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 offices worldwide, including 11 in the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, visit: www.hktdc.com
Media contact:
Keena Tsui
Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd
Direct line +852 2238 9970
Fax +852 2519 6800
keena.tsui@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com
www.messefrankfurt.com.hk
www.ecoexpoasia.com
Gloria Yam
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Direct line +852 2240 4356
Fax +852 3915 2464
gloria.kk.yam@hktdc.org
www.hktdc.com