The 17th Eco Expo Asia opened today (December 14). Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council with the theme "Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality", the event is one of the celebration events for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It is also an annual flagship event on the environmental front co-organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) set up on July 1, 2022 to continue the work of the former Environment Bureau. This Expo is conducted in a hybrid format with a physical exhibition held alongside an online platform, and features two highlight events: the Eco Asia Conference and the Green and Sustainable Finance for Eco Business session, allowing political and business leaders, scholars and professionals to share green innovations and technology that can help achieve carbon neutrality. The physical exhibition is held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from today to December 17.

     Speaking at the Expo's opening ceremony, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said, "The Government published the Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 in October last year, outlining specific targets and roadmap, leading Hong Kong to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050 through the four major decarbonisation strategies, namely 'net-zero electricity generation', 'energy saving and green buildings', 'green transport' and 'waste reduction'.
      
     "To achieve carbon neutrality in less than 30 years, it requires not only policy support in various areas, but also allocation of resources by the Government and the private sector to implement carbon reduction initiatives. As unveiled in the Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address, the development of green and sustainable finance in Hong Kong offers promising prospects, and we are developing Hong Kong into an international carbon market. By leveraging our advantages as an international financial centre, we can make effective use of market mechanism to control the total emissions, propelling Hong Kong towards carbon neutrality and sustainable development."

     The Expo's feature event, the Eco Asia Conference, is being held from today to December 16. The Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Ms Zhou Guomei; the Director-General of the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province, Mr Lu Xiulu; the Director of the Macao Environmental Protection Bureau, Mr Tam Vai-man; the Director of the Ecology Environment Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Li Shuisheng, and industry leaders have been invited to speak on the policies and latest developments for achieving carbon neutrality in the Mainland, HKSAR and Macao Special Administrative Region. In addition, the Union Minister of Myanmar's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Mr Khin Maung Yi and the Minister of Cambodia's Ministry of Environment, Mr Say Samal will share their countries' experience in green innovations. The Conference will once again feature "Hydrogen Economy Forum" and discuss "Green and Sustainable Finance", while incorporating the "Carbon Market" element for the first time this year.

     The EEB participated in both the physical and virtual exhibitions of the Expo this year. With the use of animated infographics, videos and slideshows, the exhibitions showcase Government's efforts and achievements in promoting low-carbon transformation and low-carbon lifestyle to achieve carbon neutrality, as well as highlighting the significance of smart technology in sustainable development. The "Overview of Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050" zone outlines Hong Kong's strategies and targets for combating climate change. The "Net-zero Electricity Generation" zone covers the strategies and renewable energy initiatives carried out by the Government to achieve net-zero electricity generation. The "Energy Saving and Green Buildings" zone introduces reduction of energy consumption in buildings by promoting energy saving and enhancing energy efficiency. The "Green Transport" zone highlights popularisation of electric vehicles and other new energy transport that can help the transport sector achieve zero carbon emissions. The "Waste Reduction" zone introduces the community recycling network and the Pilot Programme on Smart Recycling Systems to support members of the public to practise clean recycling. The "Smart Technologies" zone lists five green innovations and technologies to support sustainable development.

     Visitors can try using the smart recycling bins, gift redemption unit and smart balance to experience how the smart recycling system operates. They can also view two 3D models of the Lai Chi Wo Eco-Smart Public Toilet, which is the first net-zero public toilet project in Hong Kong, at the "Energy Saving and Green Buildings" zone. Both physical and virtual exhibitions feature interactive games themed on waste reduction and net-zero electricity generation.

     In addition, ten government departments, namely the Buildings Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Planning Department, the Energizing Kowloon East Office of the Development Bureau, the Drainage Services Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Highways Department, the Hong Kong Observatory, the Housing Department, and the Water Supplies Department are also participating in the physical and virtual exhibitions to introduce their initiatives in achieving carbon neutrality for Hong Kong.

     The Eco Expo Asia will open to the public for free on the last day of the event (December 17) to encourage citizens to participate in environmental protection and promote green living. Its virtual exhibition will continue to run until December 24 and members of the public are welcome to take the EEB's virtual tour via virtualbooth.hktdc.com/ecoexpoasia/2223/300006383715/en/.

Ends/Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Issued at HKT 21:28

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