The 21st Eco Expo Asia 2026 opened today at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, featuring more than 340 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. 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 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the four-day event runs from 26 to 29 October under the theme "Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future."
The expo has drawn some 200 senior officials and representatives of semi-official organisations from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Belt and Road and ASEAN countries. Notably, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are participating for the first time, underscoring the event's growing international reach. The number of pavilions has risen to 18, including a new ASEAN Pavilion that brings together seven ASEAN countries and 12 green technology ventures presenting solutions in water treatment, circular economy, green finance and ESG services, green building and environmental products.
HKTDC Executive Director Sophia Chong emphasised the expo's role in advancing Hong Kong's green sector. "Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan and the latest Policy Address both call for building a green and liveable city, to inject fresh momentum into the development of the green sector," she said. "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."
The expo's importance is amplified by its alignment with major policy shifts. The State Council of the People's Republic of China issued its carbon peaking action plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan period in July, and Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan sets green transformation as a key direction. The event's four thematic areas—"Green Energy in Motion," "Frontier Green Tech," "Building for a Greener City" and "From Waste to Worth"—directly reflect these decarbonisation priorities. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan noted that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its roles as "super connector" and "super value-adder" to foster regional and international green cooperation.
A significant new feature is the GoGlobal Connect Zone, established for the first time by the HKTDC as a member of the "GoGlobal Task Force," to support Chinese Mainland environmental enterprises in reaching international markets through Hong Kong's professional services. The expo also hosts the inaugural Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference in Hong Kong, jointly organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
Beyond the exhibition, more than 80 government, industry and academic leaders will speak across over 30 forums and thematic sessions. The flagship Eco Asia Conference explores green development from multiple perspectives, including policy, technology, green finance and green building. The event also features specialised forums such as the 7th Hydrogen Economy Forum and a Government Department Forum to brief the industry on procurement needs. The final day, Public Day, offers free admission to deepen public understanding of sustainability.
For businesses and investors, the expo serves as a critical platform for entering new markets and unlocking opportunities in the rapidly growing green economy. The presence of international pavilions from Canada, Italy, Korea and the Netherlands, alongside Chinese Mainland regions such as Qinghai Province and nine Greater Bay Area cities, highlights the event's role in facilitating cross-border collaboration. As global demand for sustainable solutions accelerates, Eco Expo Asia positions Hong Kong as a hub for green trade and innovation, with implications for industries ranging from energy and transportation to waste management and green finance. The event runs concurrently with the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo, further amplifying its impact. For those interested in attending, details on travel to the fairground are available on the Eco Expo Asia website, and more information about HKTDC's global network can be found through its offices page. The HKTDC also provides ongoing industry insights via its research reports and digital news channels.
