EPD hosts joint symposium with trade to foster green economy and technological innovation (with photos)
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Adopting an innovative design of "cross-sectoral collaboration + comprehensive integration of topics", the joint symposium closely aligned with the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address. It wove diverse themes such as national security, green finance, technological innovation, and community well-being throughout the full-day agenda, creating a comprehensive exchange platform that combined high-level policy insights, an international vision, and practical applications.
The symposium was one of the key events of the 21st Eco Expo Asia and served as the thematic symposium for the third day of the expo, aiming to build a professional exchange and training platform for the environmental protection industry. The event attracted over 300 representatives, including government officials, environmental industry leaders, academics, and professionals, who engaged in detailed discussions on the integration of environmental protection with high-quality green development, technology applications, and community well-being. They are committed to advancing a comprehensive green transformation and striving to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.
The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, officiated at the symposium and delivered opening remarks. He said that safeguarding national security is the cornerstone of social stability and environmental progress, and the department is actively promoting national security awareness at the district level, popularising related concepts among the younger generation and environmental professionals. He also noted that by leveraging the unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong is making a full effort to develop into a demonstration base for green technology and an international green hub, fostering regional and global sustainable development opportunities through cross-sectoral collaboration.
The President of the HKIQEP, Mr Freeman Cheung, said, "Following the successful inauguration of the first symposium co-organised by the EPD and the HKIQEP last year, we are very honoured this year to welcome the HKIE as an official co-organising partner. Together with the EPD and its Belt and Road sustainable green development training centre, we are combining environmental science and engineering practice into a powerful and tightly integrated synergy. Through our previously officially launched Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, both sides have successfully broken down traditional barriers between environmental professionals and engineers, pioneering a new interdisciplinary paradigm that will fully accelerate Hong Kong's pace towards carbon neutrality."
The President of the HKIE, Mr Frank Chan, stated in his speech that the world is facing climate change and environmental challenges, making the promotion of green transformation a matter of urgency. Through developing renewable energy, green buildings, smart infrastructure, sustainable transport, and environmental protection technologies, the engineering sector is fostering green economic growth. By making good use of innovative technologies such as AI, smart cities, and advanced energy storage, low-carbon transition is accelerated and the overall quality of community life is enhanced. He said that the green economy is a vital cornerstone for promoting innovation, investment, and sustainable growth. With its strengths in finance, engineering, and other professional services, Hong Kong is well-positioned to support the development of green industries and fundamental infrastructure in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
It was also announced at the symposium that the EPD and the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences officially signed the arrangement on co-operation during the Expo. The co-operation arrangement aims to implement the building of a pilot zone for a "Beautiful China" in the GBA and Belt and Road green co-operation, working together with top Mainland research institutions to promote green, high-quality development in the GBA and Belt and Road partner countries and regions, as well as to strengthen exchanges, co-operation, and professional talent training in the field of ecological and environmental scientific research.
The symposium invited a number of local, Mainland, and overseas guest speakers to deliver keynote speeches, followed by thematic panel discussions. The Special Advisor on Climate Change to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, Professor Avinash Persaud, shared macro-international insights during the morning thematic session; Ms Cindy Kong delivered a speech on "The National Security Mandate for Environmental Professionals", elaborating on the importance of safeguarding national security for environmental professionals when promoting green development; and the APAC Director, Global Capacity Building Coalition, Ms Manshu Deng, explored the role of natural ecosystems in net-zero transition plans.
The morning and afternoon dialogue sessions deeply explored multiple green transformation topics, including the green Internet of Things and air quality, smart recycling, green finance, nature-based solutions, and development opportunities in the Northern Metropolis, receiving an enthusiastic response from participants.
Ends/Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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