The 21st Eco Expo Asia 2026 opened today at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, running from 26 to 29 October under the theme 'Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future'. Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, and co-organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the HKSAR Government, the event brings together more than 340 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. The expo's significance lies in its timing: it coincides with the release of Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address, both of which prioritise green transformation and the building of a green and liveable city. As a key platform for green trade, Eco Expo Asia aims to foster international exchange and business opportunities, especially as countries in the region ramp up decarbonisation efforts.
International participation has expanded notably this year, with Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam joining for the first time. The new ASEAN Pavilion brings together seven ASEAN countries, showcasing 12 green technology ventures in areas such as water treatment, circular economy, green finance and ESG services. HKTDC Executive Director Sophia Chong emphasised that the expo harnesses Hong Kong's strengths as an international business centre and smart green technology hub, enabling enterprises to enter new markets. The secretary for Environment and Ecology, Tse Chin-wan, highlighted Hong Kong's role as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder' in fostering regional green cooperation, noting the concurrent Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference as a synergy that will inspire innovation and business collaboration.
The expo also serves as a launchpad for cutting-edge green technologies. Under the 'Green Energy in Motion' theme, EcoCeres Limited debuts as the world's second-largest sustainable aviation fuel producer, responding to government calls to build an SAF value chain. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Pavilion features the slimmest wall-mounted DC Fast EV charger currently on the market. In 'Frontier Green Tech', about 30 start-ups and university spin-offs present innovations, such as high-strength bacterial cellulose films upcycled from tea waste and an AIoT-based fleet management system to cut traffic delays. 'Building for a Greener City' showcases solutions like IoT-driven environmental monitoring and acoustic windows that reduce noise while saving space. Meanwhile, 'From Waste to Worth' highlights waste-to-energy projects and smart waste management systems that ease ESG reporting for businesses.
Beyond the exhibition, the expo hosts over 30 forums and thematic sessions with more than 80 government, industry and academic leaders from the Chinese Mainland, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand and other Belt and Road countries. The flagship Eco Asia Conference explores green development across policy, technology, green finance and industry applications. A notable session featured Prof Su Hui from HKUST discussing the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory installed on China's Tiangong Space Station, underscoring the role of space technology in climate monitoring. The event also includes the 7th Hydrogen Economy Forum and a Public Day on 29 October with free admission, aiming to deepen public understanding of sustainability and encourage green lifestyles.
For those interested in attending, details on transportation to the fairground are available at https://www.hktdc.com/event/ecoexpoasia/en/travel-to-fairground-awe, and the full event programme can be found at https://www.hktdc.com/event/ecoexpoasia/en. The HKTDC also provides international exhibitions and conferences year-round, while its research reports offer market insights. More information about Messe Frankfurt's sustainability initiatives is available at www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability.
