The 21st Eco Expo Asia 2026 opened today at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, running for four days from 26 to 29 October. 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 Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the event is held under the theme 'Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future'. It brings together more than 340 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, along with some 200 senior officials and representatives of semi-official organisations from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Belt and Road and ASEAN countries.
The expo's importance lies in its role as a platform for international exchange and business matching in the green sector, aligning with Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan and the latest Policy Address, which call for building a green and liveable city. HKTDC Executive Director Sophia Chong said the Expo gathers innovative green technologies, products and solutions from around the world, fostering exchange and cooperation among governments, businesses, investors and research institutions. International participation has grown this year, with Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam joining for the first time.
Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan noted that the nation embarks on its 15th Five-Year Plan, and the HKSAR's first Five-Year Plan proactively aligns with national development strategies, with green transformation as a key direction. He added that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its roles as 'super connector' and 'super value-adder' to foster regional and international green cooperation. The Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment jointly organise the Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference in Hong Kong on 26 October for the first time, harnessing synergy with the Expo.
The number of pavilions has risen to 18. The new ASEAN Pavilion brings together seven ASEAN countries, with 12 green technology ventures presenting solutions in water treatment, circular economy, green finance and ESG services. Overseas pavilions from Canada, Italy, Korea and the Netherlands return, while Qinghai Province makes its first appearance, alongside nine Greater Bay Area cities and Macau, Guangxi, Hunan, Shanghai and Nanjing. The HKSAR Government booth introduces a new comprehensive experience zone for green technology organised around four themes, including 'Green Flat', built with sustainable building technologies and materials.
As a member of the 'GoGlobal Task Force', the HKTDC has set up a GoGlobal Connect Zone for the first time to support Chinese Mainland environmental enterprises in reaching international markets through Hong Kong's professional services. The Expo also features four thematic areas: 'Green Energy in Motion', 'Frontier Green Tech', 'Building for a Greener City' and 'From Waste to Worth'. Debuting exhibitor EcoCeres Limited showcases sustainable aviation fuel and hydrotreated vegetable oil, while the Chinese University of Hong Kong presents high-strength bacterial cellulose films upcycled from tea waste. More than 80 government officials and industry leaders will speak across over 30 forums and thematic sessions.
For those planning to attend, free shuttle bus services are offered between venues and other locations, with details available at https://www.hktdc.com/event/ecoexpoasia/en/travel-to-fairground-awe. The Expo's website is https://www.hktdc.com/event/ecoexpoasia/en, and photos can be downloaded at https://bit.ly/4kfc7ca. The HKTDC, a statutory body established in 1966, promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub through international exhibitions, conferences and business missions, and provides market insights via research reports. Messe Frankfurt, the world's largest trade fair organiser, emphasises sustainability as a central pillar of its corporate strategy, as detailed at www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability.
