In recent years, Hong Kong has made remarkable progress in reducing its carbon footprint, minimising waste and cultivating a healthier, more sustainable living environment for all. The city’s Climate Action Plan 2050 outlines strategies for achieving carbon neutrality before 2050 through increased use of renewable energy, enhanced energy saving, expanded green transport and reduced waste.
As part of this effort, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has embraced a green mindset, integrating sustainability principles across our work.
From sharing expert insights and presenting the latest green technology at our trade fairs to connecting investors from around the world with green projects, we continue to drive positive change to foster a more sustainable future for Hong Kong and beyond.
Building a global platform for sustainability
As a vibrant international trade hub, Hong Kong has the unique advantage of being part of China, while remaining well-connected to international markets.
As highlighted in a recent article by the Hong Kong SAR Government Secretary for Environment and Ecology Chin Wan Tse, the city serves as an ideal platform for showcasing green and low-carbon technologies and facilitating the export of research breakthroughs from the mainland.
The premier trade fair for sustainable products and solutions is HKTDC’s flagship Eco Expo Asia, which for some 20 years has attracted thousands of exhibitors, buyers and innovators to showcase their latest advancements and forge strategic partnerships.
In 2024, the event welcomed more than 8,500 buyers from over 90 countries and regions, connecting them with over 300 exhibitors, including government organisations, science parks, universities and solution providers.
Sessions exploring the transformative potential of new energy in advancing decarbonisation were enriched by a dedicated forum on hydrogen and an exhibition showcasing energy efficient products and solutions, including on-site inspections of Hong Kong’s first hydrogen fuelled street cleaning vehicle.
But we haven’t stopped there. The HKTDC has embedded sustainability themes across its major trade fairs and conferences, ensuring environmental consciousness remains a central focus.
At the 2025 Gifts and Premiums Fair, participants learned about the latest European Union mandates on reducing excess packaging and discussed possible solutions such as adopting plant-based bioplastics.
From thought-provoking seminars on equity in healthcare to pavilions highlighting suppliers committed to ethical and green trading at events such as Toys & Games Fair, the HKTDC has brought sustainability concerns into the mainstream of the global conference and exhibition industry.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Another HKTDC initiative has focused on reducing the environmental impact of trade fairs.
At the International Optical Fair last November, we launched the inaugural Green Booth Design Competition. Attracting over 100 submissions, the competition highlighted innovative approaches to eco-friendly booth design, with winners receiving brand promotion opportunities and support for booth construction costs.
The HKTDC has also adopted green principles in the design and construction of Hong Kong pavilions at major trade fairs worldwide.
The pavilions at the 2024 China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai won a Gold Award for Green Booth Design. These pavilions incorporated eco-friendly innovations, such as energy efficient lighting, recycled materials and reusable structural components designed for easy disassembly.
Both measures complemented the Hong Kong SAR Government’s ongoing efforts to tackle excess packaging and minimise waste at the source, which has already achieved a drop of 7.5% in solid waste between 2021 and 2024, according to Mr Tse.
Green finance and deal-making
Ranked third globally as a financial centre, Hong Kong has established itself as Asia’s leading issuer and sponsor of green bonds. Over the three years to 2024, the city issued a total of HK$337 billion (US$43 billion) in green bonds, accounting for 45% of Asia’s total, as mentioned by Mr Tse.
This strong momentum in green financing was reflected in HKTDC’s major conferences devoted to finance and investment promotion.
At the 2024 Belt and Road Summit, green development took centre stage through the debut of the Green Chapter of conference sessions related to green construction, innovation and finance. Projects related to decarbonisation and energy efficiency were hot topics at over 800 business-matching meetings held during the summit.
The Belt and Road Roundtable on Sustainable Urban Development featured ASEAN representatives presenting major infrastructure project proposals, such as railways and smart cities, to eager investors.
Meanwhile, at the Asian Financial Forum in January, we facilitated major investment deals related to sustainability.
Representatives from three companies in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Indonesia signed an MoU to develop a poultry project in Indonesia utilising sustainability principles and smart tech, while a Hong Kong-New Zealand joint venture was launched to install EV charging infrastructure at strategically selected sites around New Zealand.
Such deals underscore the synergy between environmental responsibility and business success, echoing Mr Tse’s conclusion that “through innovation, co-operation and policy guidance, Hong Kong can turn environmental challenges into new opportunities.”
Whether supporting start-ups to launch green solutions or conducting original research on the nexus between business and environmental responsibility, the HKTDC demonstrates an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
With more exciting initiatives on the horizon, HKTDC continues to shape a greener future - stay tuned for what’s next.
