The 21st Eco Expo Asia 2026, 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), opened today at AsiaWorld-Expo. Running from 26 to 29 October under the theme 'Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future', the four-day event hosts more than 340 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, with some 200 senior officials and representatives from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Belt and Road and ASEAN countries attending to strengthen international exchange.
HKTDC Executive Director Sophia Chong highlighted the significance of the expo, noting that Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan and the latest Policy Address both call for building a green and liveable city. "As an important green trade platform in the region, Eco Expo Asia gathers innovative green technologies, products and solutions from around the world, fostering exchange and cooperation among governments, businesses, investors and research institutions," she said. International participation has grown this year, with Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam joining for the first time, which underscores the expo's expanding global reach and its role in enabling enterprises to enter new markets.
Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, emphasised Hong Kong's alignment with national green transformation strategies. "Hong Kong will continue to leverage its roles of 'super connector' and a 'super value-adder' to foster regional and international green cooperation," he said. This year, the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment jointly organise the Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference in Hong Kong for the first time, harnessing synergies to inspire innovation and open business collaboration opportunities.
The expo features 18 pavilions, including the new ASEAN Pavilion that brings together seven ASEAN countries with 12 green technology ventures presenting solutions in water treatment, circular economy, green finance and ESG services. Returning overseas pavilions include Canada, Italy, Korea and the Netherlands, while Qinghai Province makes its first appearance, alongside nine Greater Bay Area cities and Macau, Guangxi, Hunan, Shanghai and Nanjing. The HKSAR Government booth debuts a comprehensive experience zone for green technology organised around four themes, including "Green Flat" built with sustainable materials to illustrate sustainable living concepts.
For businesses seeking global expansion, 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 hosts an "Experience Sharing Forum on Promoting Environmental Business in Overseas Markets," featuring Hunan exhibitor Lihe Technology, which signed a memorandum of understanding with a delegation from Kazakhstan during last year's expo. These initiatives are particularly relevant for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to tap into international green markets, as the HKTDC organises international exhibitions and conferences to create such opportunities.
The expo's four thematic areas—"Green Energy in Motion", "Frontier Green Tech", "Building for a Greener City" and "From Waste to Worth"—align with the latest decarbonisation policies, including China's carbon peaking action plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Notable showcases include EcoCeres Limited, the world's second largest sustainable aviation fuel producer, and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Pavilion, which features the slimmest wall-mounted DC Fast EV charger. The "Frontier Green Tech" area hosts 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, and Lingnan University's AIoT fleet management system.
With over 80 government, industry and academic leaders speaking across more than 30 forums, the expo serves as a critical platform for shaping green policies and business strategies. The Eco Asia Conference, the flagship event, explores green development across policy, technology, green finance, and more. On 27 October, the Government Department Forum will brief the industry on procurement needs, while the 7th Hydrogen Economy Forum on 28 October will discuss green fuels and energy storage. Public Day on 29 October offers free admission, aiming to deepen public understanding of sustainability.
The concurrent Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo and the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) further expand opportunities for exhibitors and buyers. For those planning to attend, details on transportation to the venue are available at https://www.hktdc.com/event/ecoexpoasia/en/travel-to-fairground-awe. More information about the expo can be found on the Eco Expo Asia website, and high-resolution images are available for download at https://bit.ly/4kfc7ca. As a member of the NEWMEDIAWIRE network, this release underscores the expo's global significance. For media enquiries, the HKTDC Mediaroom provides additional resources, and HKTDC's global network of offices supports international participation. The HKTDC also offers research reports and business missions to help companies navigate green markets.
