Eco Expo Asia to Respond to China’s New Economic Plan

Eco Expo Asia 2011, Hong Kong’s major international trading platform for environmental business, will introduce four new zones this year to help businesses find new opportunities under the 12th Five-Year Plan adopted by the Chinese mainland.

Specialised areas for E-waste Management, Green Financing, New Materials and Testing, Inspection and Certification will debut at the 26-29 October expo organised under the theme "Green Tech for a Low-Carbon Economy." The event will also feature the well-received Green Transportation and Green Building zones featured in last year’s edition.

New environmental-protection initiatives in the five-year economic blueprint, adopted in April, offer a wide range of opportunities for international companies with green solutions and technology, according to Hong Kong’s Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau.

Speaking at a networking breakfast meeting about Eco Expo Asia, Mr Yau encouraged industry players to expand their horizons at the event which allows business people to meet and exchange ideas with local and overseas trade partners and officials.

"The National 12th Five-Year Plan sets out China’s strategies for sustainable development, ranging from energy efficiency and renewable energy to pollution control, climate change and green consumerism," said Mr Yau. "These are important developments that promise to spawn opportunities for services and product suppliers in the environmental industries and related sectors."

"As an international financial centre, Hong Kong provides a good platform for companies wanting to tap into the market," Mr Yau said. He invited overseas companies with green expertise to explore opportunities for partnerships in Hong Kong, noting that the city, "possesses good knowledge, insight and experience of the market and a world class business infrastructure."

The Five-Year Plan maps seven new strategic industries for major economic development on the mainland between 2011 and 2015. Four of the new industries identified include: environmental protection and energy-saving, environmental protection, alternative energy and new materials, and alternative-fuel vehicles.