Eco Expo Asia Attracts Record Number of Visitors
November 28, 2018
The 13th edition of the show, held Oct. 25-28 in Hong Kong, welcomed a record 14,824 visitors from 106 countries and regions.
With 54 percent of visitors coming from outside of Hong Kong, the expo lived up to its billing as an international gathering point for the environmental protection industry.
Jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the fair is also co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The 2018 fair embraced the theme of “Waste Less Save More for a Low-carbon Future” to align with the global push to raise environmental awareness and strive for better waste management.
Highlighted environmental sectors at the show included Waste Management and Recycling, Water Treatment and Quality Management, Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency and Green Transportation.
In total, 338 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions participated. The Startup Zone also returned after a successful debut last year. 20 startups showcased their innovative new products and technologies offering a glimpse into the future direction of the green tech industry.
In line with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area scheme to link the cities in the region and strengthen economic integration, Eco Expo Asia saw pavilions and group participations from all nine municipalities in the region as well as the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao.
The Greater Bay Area Zone represented a major presence at the fair. In recognition of the extensive green business opportunities emanating from the region, a Greater Bay Area Forum was also organised to reveal more about green projects and future developments of interest to the environmental protection industry.
The Eco Asia Conference is a high-level gathering that invites influential industry experts and academics from around the world to discuss important environmental issues. Some 40 speakers delivered talks and discussions on wide-ranging topics that touched on pressing environmental concerns affecting Hong Kong and Asia as well as far-reaching global issues.
Meanwhile, a wide range of other event sessions delved into other essential environmental topics including smart construction, green transportation and a government department forum.
Syed Mubarak, Director of Sustainability & MEP-Plant Operations, Sands China Ltd, attended the Green Buildings and the Renewable Energies and Usage sessions of the conference: “While the sessions focused on very different topics, they both offered abundant solutions to help combat climate change and that’s ultimately why we are all attending this fair, looking for fresh new ideas and to connect with different people.”
Exhibitors expressed positive feedback:
“We are exhibiting reverse vending machines for recycling items like plastic bottles, aluminium cans and glass bottles which operate on a user deposit scheme. We were thrilled to have the chance to speak with representatives from the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department and explain to them how the system works. We are exhibiting this year as we think our system would integrate very easily into Hong Kong and around Asia. The fair is a great chance to meet potential clients.”
Andre Farstad, Business Development, Circular Economy, TOMRA Sorting Technology (Xiamen) Co Ltd (Norway)
Buyers also gave the event high marks:
“My business concentrates on waste management solutions and I create waste management plans for different types of clients, ranging from governmental bodies to private organisations. I found that the exhibitors have been very friendly and happy to take the time to analyse my requirements and suggest solutions. This is much more important than just being sold a product as you are able to see whether it truly fits with your needs. In the past I have only visited environmental protection trade shows in Europe, but this year I wanted to try somewhere in Asia and Hong Kong seemed like the perfect place to start, I haven’t been disappointed.”
Rustem Bassenov, Managing Partner, Tau Innovative Solutions (Kazakhstan)
The next edition of Eco Expo Asia will be held Oct. 20-Nov. 2 at AsiaWorld-Expo.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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