Eco Expo Asia 2026: Global Green Technology Leaders Unite for Sustainable Future in Hong Kong

21st Eco Expo Asia held to reinforce Hong Kong's position as green technology and green finance hub

The four-day 21st Eco Expo Asia is being held at AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau, from October 26 to 29. Under the theme "Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future", the Expo gathers green technology forces from around the globe, further reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international hub for green technology and green finance. The event attracted delegations from about 60 countries and regions, including the Chinese Mainland and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and participants of the Belt and Road Initiative to exhibit and exchange ideas. More than 300 government officials, environmental industry representatives, experts and academics attended to share their experiences on cuttingedge green technologies and applications, to explore the latest developments and co-operation opportunities in global green technology, and to jointly advance the building of a green Belt and Road.

Speaking at the welcome ceremony today (October 27), the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chinwan, said that the Government has formulated the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and has introduced four binding environmental targets, which set the bar for promoting green transition, energy reform, as well as making Hong Kong a cleaner and more enjoyable city. He pointed out that the Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference this year was held outside the Chinese Mainland for the first time, serving to connect policy with innovation, technology with investment and expertise with opportunity. Mr Tse said that under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong enjoys close connections with the Chinese Mainland and international markets, leveraging its professional services, financial system, common law system and environmental management experience to act as the "super connector" for international collaboration in green transformation.

The Minister of Ecology and Environment, Mr Huang Runqiu, was also invited to attend the welcome ceremony. The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, introduced at the ceremony the Government's latest achievements in and aspirations for jointly building a green Belt and Road. He pointed out that high-quality development of the green Belt and Road is advanced through high-level collaboration platforms, talent nurturing, environmental-related exhibitions and deepening of research and technical co-operation. He added that the Government has established the Hong Kong Green Technology Innovation Centre, which drives green transformation and innovation and implements green Belt and Road co-operation projects. The Centre plans to launch the Green Technology Bridgehead Programme in 2027 to help transfer green solutions to Belt and Road countries.

Also presented at the welcome ceremony were the third series of "Enchanting China", jointly produced by the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) in collaboration with the Center for Environmental Education and Communications of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, as well as highlights from the "Beautiful Hong Kong Series" produced by the EEB. The series covered four themes including "Beautiful Living", "Beautiful Ecology", "Beautiful Trails" and "Beautiful Climate" to showcase the achievements and distinctive features of environmental protection and ecological conservation of the country and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

During the Government Session of the Eco Asia Conference on the same day, Deputy Director General of the Department of Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China Ms Luo Xiaoli and the Director of the Climate Technology Centre and Network under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ms Ariesta Ningrum, introduced the strategies of the Chinese Mainland in promoting green and low-carbon industrial development and those of the UNEP in utilising the accelerated transfer of climate technology to promote low-carbon and green transformation in the Global South. A panel chaired by the Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Christopher Chao, was held to discuss core issues of promoting regional green transformation and accelerating the transition towards sustainable development, jointly sharing policy experiences and exploring new directions for transnational co-operation. Various government officials and senior representatives of the Belt and Road countries were engaged to participate, including the Minister of State for Climate Change, Environment and Energy of the Maldives, Ms Aishath Inaya; Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia Mr Oeurn Panchakneat; the Director General of the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Mr Zhang Zhifeng; the Rector of the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies of Uzbekistan, Professor Bakhtiyor Pulatov; and Researcher of the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Professor Yang Min.

Mr Huang and Mr Tse also witnessed Vice President of the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences Ms Liu Chunyan exchanging a co-operation agreement with Dr Chui to advance the developments of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the "Beautiful China Pilot Zone" and the co-operation of the green Belt and Road.

The Expo was co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, with the EEB as co-organiser. The EEB has set up four exhibition zones at the Expo, themed "Green Energy and Buildings", "Green Transport", "Waste Reduction and Recycling" and "Better Environment". This year, including the EEB and the EPD, a total of 11 government bureaus and departments exhibited, presenting environmental measures, technologies and engineering projects that advance green transformation and help achieve carbon-neutrality.

The EPD established a comprehensive experience zone for green technology at the Expo showcasing sustainable living concepts and the ways to attain comprehensive win-win opportunities and advance development momentum to the public under the themes of "Green Flat", "Green Cooperation" and "Green Innovation", leading the environmental industry towards a higher quality and more sustainable future. The zone also provided a "Green Match" space to facilitate trade and business co-operation and exchanges, and to jointly build high-quality green development and technology.

To encourage citizens to actively participate in various environmental activities to experience and practise a low-carbon green lifestyle first-hand, the last day of the Expo (October 29) will be the public day. Members of the public can visit for free. For details, please visit the Expo's dedicated website: www.hktdc.com/event/ecoexpoasia/en.

The Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Green Technology Innovation Centre, Professor Christopher Chao (third left), and other board members including Professor Alfred Sit (first right); Mr Philip Ng (second left); the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan (centre); the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui (third right); and the Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Corporate Affairs) of the Environmental Protection Department, Dr Jackie Ng (first left), toured the 21st Eco Expo Asia at AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau, and the booth of the Hong Kong Green Technology Innovation Centre today (October 27). Looking on is the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong (second right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Minister of Ecology and Environment, Mr Huang Runqiu (first left); the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin‑wan (second left); the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Sophia Chong (third left), and other guests toured the 21st Eco Expo Asia at AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau, today (October 27), and were briefed on the development of local recycling technology. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Minister of Ecology and Environment, Mr Huang Runqiu (third left); the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin‑wan (fourth left); the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Sophia Chong (first left); the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Mr Eddie Cheung (fifth left), and other guests toured the 21st Eco Expo Asia at AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau, today (October 27, and were briefed on the promotional work of the Environmental Campaign Committee. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Minister of Ecology and Environment, Mr Huang Runqiu (third right); the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin‑wan (second right), and other guests toured the 21st Eco Expo Asia at AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau, today (October 27). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Witnessed by the Minister of Ecology and Environment, Mr Huang Runqiu (second right), and the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan (second left), today, Vice President of the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences Ms Liu Chunyan (first right) exchanged a co-operation agreement with the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui (first left), to advance the developments of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the "Beautiful China Pilot Zone" and the co-operation of the green Belt and Road. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Minister of Ecology and Environment, Mr Huang Runqiu (first row, ninth right); the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan (first row, ninth left); the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Sophia Chong (first row, eighth right); the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Mr Eddie Cheung (first row, fourth left); the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong (second row, sixth right); the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui (second row, fourth right), and other guests attended the welcome ceremony of the 21st Eco Expo Asia today (October 27) at AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin‑wan, speaks at the welcome ceremony of the 21st Eco Expo Asia today (October 27). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by FS at One Earth Summit

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the One Earth Summit today (October 28):

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan. Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Poman (Founder of the Institute of Sustainability and Technology, Professor Poman Lo), Harry (Council Chairman of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Harry Shum), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. Thank you for inviting me to the One Earth Summit. My heartfelt thanks to Poman and the organisers for bringing together government, business and NGO (non-governmental organisation) leaders from Hong Kong, the Mainland and around the world, to explore how we can harness innovation for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Your theme, "Collective Flourishing in the Intelligent Age", asks us to consider not only what technology can achieve, but how its benefits can be shared.

Scientific advances give us powerful means to improve lives. But turning that potential into better lives, while protecting our planet, requires conscious choices. We must decide where to invest, whose needs to take priority, and how best to work together.

Understanding our shared challenges

Our world is changing rapidly. AI (Artificial Intelligence), in particular, is opening up new possibilities. To make the most of them, however, we must address three closely connected challenges.

The first is how to finance a secure and sustainable transition.

Conflict in the Middle East has exposed our continuing dependence on fossil fuels and how quickly energy shocks reach households and businesses. Cleaner energy is therefore not only a climate imperative, but also a matter of economic security.

There are encouraging signs. Consumers and businesses are increasingly choosing cleaner alternatives. Last year, electric car sales worldwide exceeded 20 million, while solar power capacity grew by a record 510 gigawatts - that is the capacity of some 500 typical nuclear reactors.

We should build on this momentum by making clean technology more widely available and affordable. Putting up trade barriers over concerns of so-called "overcapacity" would only take us in the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, AI offers a powerful way to accelerate progress. For example, the International Energy Agency estimates that using AI more widely in buildings could save as much electricity each year as Australia's and New Zealand's combined production.

But seizing these opportunities requires substantial investment. According to the IMF (International Monetary Fund), emerging and developing Asia needs at least US$1.1 trillion annually in climate investment. Public funding alone cannot meet that need. Mobilising private capital is therefore essential - and it has been a key theme at the recent IMF and World Bank Group meetings, as well as the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Finance Ministers' Meeting.

Another challenge is ensuring that benefits brought by technological progress are widely shared.

Some economies have advanced digital infrastructure. Others lack reliable, affordable internet access, making it harder for many people to access education, healthcare and business opportunities. Building better digital infrastructure is an essential first step towards closing these gaps.

Yet access alone is not enough. This brings us to the third challenge: equipping people to participate.

The World Bank projects that, over the next 10 to 15 years, 1.2 billion young people will enter a job market offering only about 400 million jobs. This challenge is attributable to reasons well beyond AI, but the message is clear: investment in technology must go hand in hand with investment in people.

These are our shared challenges, and we must work together to address them. As President Xi Jinping has said, "Humanity is an integral community, and Planet Earth is our shared home."

Hong Kong. Photo source: reference image

Connecting capital with development

For Hong Kong, we believe we can make a decided difference.

Under the "one country, two systems" framework, we serve as a "super connector" and "super value-adder", bringing together capital, enterprises, standards, innovation and talent. We also foster dialogue across economies and institutions, bridging diverse perspectives - as this Summit so clearly demonstrates.

Our ambition goes beyond attracting capital and businesses. It is to help worthwhile projects secure funding and promising technologies reach new markets, delivering tangible benefits to communities.

Let me highlight three ways Hong Kong puts that ambition into practice.

First, we connect capital to support innovation, advance green transition and address the needs of communities.

Our deep capital markets help businesses raise funds from the Chinese Mainland and across the globe, providing vital support for technology companies to develop new ideas and expand their businesses. We are also strengthening our capital-market links with the Global South. More companies from these economies are choosing Hong Kong for listing, and we are working closely with their local regulators to facilitate dual listings.

We are equally committed to mobilising capital to help accelerate green transition. Last year, around US$77 billion in green and sustainable debt was arranged in Hong Kong. Besides, we are also expanding transition finance to help industries reduce emissions, particularly where the transition is more difficult.

But our ambition goes beyond financing volume. Our work covers green standard setting, reporting and disclosure. For example, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is expanding the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance to cover sectors such as aviation and steel, giving investors clearer guidance on financing the transition of these sectors.

We also help recycle capital for better utilisation. The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation has completed three infrastructure loan securitisations worth around US$1.3 billion to release capital tied up in existing infrastructure projects to finance new ones.

Infrastructure investment supports growth, but economies also need protection against natural disasters. Since 2021, Hong Kong has facilitated seven catastrophe bond issuances totalling around US$800 million. These bonds transfer disaster risks to the capital market, providing financial protection against earthquakes in the Mainland, Japan and India, as well as hurricanes in Jamaica.

Some worthwhile projects, however, are not yet bankable. We encourage multilateral development agencies and philanthropists to provide seed funding support, during project preparation. By sharing early-stage risks and strengthening project readiness and delivery capabilities, they can give private investors greater confidence to participate. Hong Kong's wealth-management and philanthropic networks provide valuable resources for these blended finance partnerships.

Bringing innovation into everyday life

Ultimately, the value of these investments lies in the difference they make to people's lives. That brings me to our second point: bringing innovation into everyday life by turning promising ideas into solutions that benefit communities.

Innovation is central to Hong Kong's development strategy. We are investing in research and outcome translation, promoting their adoption, attracting strategic enterprises and talent, and encouraging long-term investment in emerging industries. Our Northern Metropolis will bring these efforts together. Its three university towns will strengthen links between research, education and industry, helping ideas move from the laboratory into the market.

Hong Kong's contribution lies not only in developing new technologies, but also in showing how they can improve everyday life. As an international city, we provide a platform to test new solutions, demonstrate their practical uses, and accelerate their adoption and commercialisation in markets around the world.

Take AI and robotics for example. If a robot can operate safely in a compact Hong Kong home, helping an elderly person with everyday tasks, that experience could guide its use in other cities.

Consider biotechnology, too. Smoother cross-boundary flows of research data and biological samples will support research and drug development. With Mainland and Hong Kong authorities strengthening co-operation on clinical trials and drug approvals, treatments can reach patients sooner, both on the Mainland and internationally.

This is the impact we seek: turning our strengths into solutions that improve lives here and beyond.

AI. Photo source: reference image

Empowering people for change

Technology, however, can only deliver its full benefits when people are ready to use it. This brings me to our third point: helping people prepare for change.

We see AI not simply as a tool to improve efficiency, but as a means to expand what people can achieve. Realising that potential is a shared task, and Hong Kong can contribute by connecting expertise, sharing experience and learning from one another.

Our "AI Training for All" initiative provides a case in point. It brings together technology companies, educational institutions and community partners to broaden access to AI learning. As other economies in the region face similar challenges, we are keen to exchange experience and share best practices, so that we can learn from one another and help more people prepare for change.

Turning dialogue into action

Ladies and gentlemen, as we look ahead, our priorities are clear and closely connected: finance must support innovation, and innovation must serve the people and their well being.

The true measure of our progress will be the difference we make to people's lives. A young person with the skills to find meaningful work. An elderly person able to live more independently and with dignity. A community with reliable, affordable clean energy.

Let us turn the connections made here into lasting partnerships that improve lives far beyond our shores.

The intelligent age will not be judged by the power of its machines alone, but by the opportunities it creates and the lives it improves. That is the promise of collective flourishing. It is a promise we must work together to fulfil.

Thank you very much.

One Earth Summit. Photo source: oneearthsummit.org

Speech by FS at One Earth Summit (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by FS at One Earth Summit (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases