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Tag: expo

  • Japan’s Hotel Sector Sees Impressive H1 2025 Growth with Occupancy Rate Soaring to 84.2%

    Japan’s Hotel Sector Sees Impressive H1 2025 Growth with Occupancy Rate Soaring to 84.2%

    Japan’s hotel industry is steadily regaining its footing, approaching pre-pandemic heights, with occupancy rates escalating to 84.2%—a rise of 1.0 percentage point over the past six months, as reported by Savills. This promising trend edges closer to the enviable occupancy levels enjoyed before the pandemic transformed the hospitality landscape.

    Despite a persistent labor shortage that has hindered some hotels in regional and resort areas from maximizing occupancy, establishments are adopting innovative measures to enhance employee conditions and compensation. The Savills report emphasizes that these adaptations are crucial for achieving optimal performance.

    Further bolstering the labor force, the Japanese government has intensified efforts to attract foreign workers. As of October 2024, the number of foreign laborers reached 2.3 million—the highest figure since 2007—with an increase of 250,000 compared to the previous year. In addition, hotels are leveraging cutting-edge technology to minimize reliance on human staff, creating a balance between efficiency and service quality.

    Looking ahead, hotel performance in Japan is set for steady growth in 2025. Inbound tourist arrivals during the first half of 2025 outpaced those from the same period last year, signaling a potential surge that could see numbers exceed 40 million. The anticipated Expo 2025 is expected to significantly boost tourism in Osaka, with visitor numbers reaching 10 million by July 2025, well on track to meet the ambitious goal of attracting 28 million guests by the event’s conclusion in October.

    This influx isn’t limited to Osaka City; Expo 2025 encourages visitors to venture into the wider Kansai region, creating wider economic ripples across various locales. Additionally, the opening of Junglia Okinawa—a large nature adventure theme park in July 2025—is poised to draw both local and international tourists, further stimulating demand for accommodation and related services in the area. Who said business growth couldn’t be fun?

    Questions & Answers

    How is Japan’s hotel occupancy rate performing post-pandemic?
    Japan’s hotel occupancy rate has improved to 84.2%, making a notable recovery as it approaches pre-pandemic levels. This rise reflects a 1.0 percentage point increase over the past six months.

    What measures are being taken to address the labor shortage in hotels?
    Hotels are enhancing employee compensation and working conditions while also embracing technology to streamline operations, which helps mitigate the impact of the labor shortage.

    What role does Expo 2025 play in Japan’s tourism sector?
    Expo 2025 is set to be a major draw for tourists, with projections of attracting 28 million visitors by the event’s end in October 2025, and encouraging exploration of the surrounding Kansai region, thus benefiting the local economy.

  • Vietnam’s International Paper and Packaging Expo Showcases Retail Innovations This May

    Vietnam’s International Paper and Packaging Expo Showcases Retail Innovations This May

    Surge in Vietnam’s Paper and Packaging Sector: VPPE 2025 Set to Showcase Innovation

    In a remarkable evolution of its manufacturing landscape, Vietnam’s paper and packaging sectors are witnessing significant growth. This momentum is driven by a decisive shift from single-use plastics towards sustainable paper solutions, fueled by the booming e-commerce sector and robust export activities. The upcoming Vietnam Paper and Packaging Exhibition (VPPE) 2025 promises to capitalize on these trends, offering substantial opportunities for industry stakeholders.

    A Platform for Industry Leaders

    Hosted by the Vietnam Pulp and Paper Association, the Vietnam Packaging Association, and the Vietnam Advertising Association, VPPE 2025 will be a vital hub for businesses looking to display their innovations, broaden their market reach, and connect with potential clients and partners. With over 250 booths featuring close to 500 brands from Vietnam and around the globe—including notable representatives from Japan, China, South Korea, and the United States—attendees can expect a dynamic showcase of industry advancements.

    Explore Cutting-Edge Innovations

    During this three-day event, more than 10,000 specialized visitors will have the opportunity to discover a wide array of high-quality products and state-of-the-art technologies. Highlights include advanced paper machines, innovative fiber treatment technologies, and comprehensive packaging solutions. The exhibition will also emphasize eco-friendly recyclable packaging and promote solutions for wastewater and exhaust gas treatment, aligning with contemporary consumer trends for sustainability.

    Engaging Activities and Networking Opportunities

    VPPE 2025 is not just an exhibition; it’s a comprehensive experience that incorporates various supplementary activities. Attendees can participate in the Annual Vietnam Packaging Summit, the Vietnam Packaging Awards 2025 Ceremony, and the Vietnam Paper Industry Technical Conference. Workshops will focus on quality standards and management in paper packaging production, providing further value to participants. Moreover, the newly introduced VPPE Golf Tournament offers a unique opportunity for networking in a more relaxed environment.

    Accessibility and Amenities

    To ensure a seamless experience, organizers are providing free round-trip shuttle buses from Ho Chi Minh City to the venue. Additional shuttle services will be available for groups traveling from selected provinces. Onsite amenities include a business lounge, dining areas, complimentary refreshments, and even a lucky draw program, all designed to create a welcoming and productive atmosphere.

    As the paper and packaging industries evolve, VPPE 2025 stands as a pivotal event, showcasing consumer trends and brand expansions that reflect the sector’s future. This exhibition not only highlights innovation but also prepares the retail sector and consumers for a more sustainable tomorrow, bridging the gap between demand and eco-friendly alternatives.

    For more information, visit [VPPE 2025 official page].

  • LVMH chief Bernard Arnault to visit China in June

    LVMH chief Bernard Arnault to visit China in June

    LVMH.PA chief Bernard Arnault is set to visit China, two sources told Reuters on Thursday, as European luxury goods makers closely track the pace of recovery of the key market following three years of COVID disruptions.

    One of the sources close to the matter said Arnault’s visit to the all-important Chinese market, which comes after high-profile visits to the country this week by JPMorgan Chase & Co JPM.NCEO Jamie Dimon and Tesla chief Elon Musk, will take place later this month.

    LVMH, home to brands ranging from Moet to Givenchy, declined to comment.

    The sources didn’t give a reason for the trip or say where in the country Arnault was likely to visit.

    The LVMH chairman and chief executive met with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Paris in April at the Avenue Montaigne flagship store of the group’s Christian Dior label.

    Arnault’s daughter Delphine Arnault, CEO of Dior, as well as other top LVMH executives attended the meeting, and the group pledged take part in China’s International Import Expo, which will be held in Shanghai in November.

    Chinese officials have been eager to emphasize the country is open for business since lifting lockdowns in December. The recovery has been patchy but the luxury sector has outperformed other consumer categories as wealthy consumers have maintained their spending habits on the Mainland.

    The planned visit for Arnault comes at a critical time for LVMH’s reboot of U.S. jeweler Tiffany, its largest acquisition ever, which it seeks to expand in China as part of a strategy to catch up with larger rival Cartier.

    A rebound in China helped lift LVMH’s first-quarter sales, which grew 17%.

    Executives from other luxury companies are also emphasizing China, especially as sector sales in the United States show signs of easing off of a strong, post-pandemic surge.

  • Vietnam’s biggest auto expo canceled again

    Vietnam’s biggest auto expo canceled again

    The Vietnam Motor Show, the biggest automobile expo in the country, has been canceled for the second year running over Covid-19 impacts.

    This year’s show was originally scheduled to be held next month.

    Members of the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA) and the Vehicles Importers Vietnam Association (VIVA) said in a joint statement the VMS 2021 has been canceled as was VMS 2020.

    Earlier, the VMS 2021 organization board had planned to postpone the expo to the last week of November or the second week of December, but found that such plans were not feasible. The board is expected to make an official announcement about the cancellation soon.

    The VMS 2019 in HCMC drew the participation of 15 firms that displayed over 100 new cars. Many firms in the supporting industry also participated in the event that drew over 200,000 visitors.

    Vietnam’s car sales rose 27 percent year-on-year to over 166,500 units in the first seven months, thanks to a surge in the first quarter.

  • Echelon Bangkok roadshow showcases the bright new stars in Thailand’s ecosystem

    Echelon Bangkok roadshow showcases the bright new stars in Thailand’s ecosystem

    Recently, Echelon, the tech event startup organizer from Singapore held an event at WeWork Asia Centre in Bangkok. The Echelon Roadshow is part of a series of international stops leading up to the annual Echelon Asia Summit happening in May.

    The event brought together the local startup ecosystem over a night of networking, Thailand top 100 startup, plus a panel discussion with feature founders sharing their startup journeys – from how they scaled their company to how they addressed obstacles such as building a sustainable team. The panellists included Surasit Sachdev, CEO of Hungry Hub, Casey Liang, co-founder of Pomelo, and Bond Thaiyanurak, CEO&Founder of Box24. The discussion was moderated by PachareePantoomano, BrandNow.asia’s Director of Make it Happen, the agency that launched large startups such as Grab, Lalamove, and Honestbee in Thailand.

    The panel discussion tackled Founders Confessions which panellists shared their experiences as part of starting up. Bond talked about working with the right partners and having the right chemistry. He’s had to resolve a conflict with a shareholder. Surasit confessed that when he initially started the company, he did not do market research and that causes him to burn through his investment quickly. He advised anyone thinking about starting up should do the research and work on the proof of concept from the beginning. When Pacharee asked the panellists if they started their companies for love or money, Casey said that it was a bit of both. However, it’s the love for growing the business that keeps him going. The life of a start-up can be a bumpy one and he said that if you love what you do, it will help you stay true to your goal.

    Thaddeus Jit Siong Koh, the co-founder of e27, shared “The journey for these winners has only just begun. We are excited to see them compete against the other bright new stars of Southeast Asia’s ecosystem in Singapore — at our Echelon Asia Summit 2019 which is taking place on May 23rd and 24th at Singapore Expo. We also hope that these startups will be able to level up through absorbing insights from thought leaders, corporate business matching, and more”

    Pacharee added, “It is important that we continue to contribute, develop and grow the ecosystem locally, regionally and globally. These events and competitions bring about better products and services for businesses and consumers. We are delighted to be Echelon’s media and community partner in Thailand. It is an opportunity for us to support our local startup scene and do our part in fostering the digital economy”.

  • KT CEO talks 5G at World Economic Forum

    KT CEO talks 5G at World Economic Forum

    The head of KT, the country’s leading telecommunications provider, outlined the importance of 5G networks in driving innovation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week. KT CEO Hwang Chang-gyu was invited to a meeting of the International Business Council, a community of 100 select highly influential executives around the globe, which was held on the forum’s sidelines.

    Hwang said the adoption of the upcoming network system will play an integral role in processing autonomous driving vehicles and telemedicine systems.

    5G refers to the fifth-generation mobile network that will succeed the current 4G network, which has been prevalent for about seven years. The network is expected to be commercialized in the first quarter of this year, according to KT.

    The global elite meeting also acted as a get-together for the world’s renowned CEOs and academics. KT said Hwang spoke with Apple’s Tim Cook, adding that the Apple CEO pledged to visit Korea or invite Hwang to the United States to learn more about the 5G network. Rafael Reif, the president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), said he expected Hwang will lecture about 5G at the campus.

    The KT CEO also promised to strengthen cooperation with Japan’s telecom NTT Docomo to run 5G during the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.

  • The inaugural Asian Food Tech Expo opens in Shanghai 2018

    The inaugural Asian Food Tech Expo opens in Shanghai 2018

    The first Asia Food Tech will be held from May 16-18 May 2018, in Shanghai New International Expo Center. The exhibition is organized by the Messe München. It focuses on fresh food production, food  processing and packaging. Through the latest processing and manufacturing equipment & technology from meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, seafood, wine and other eight sectors, the show aims to push China’s food industry towards a better standard – “safety, seamless, intellectualised, modularised and flexibilized, tailor-made”.

    Asia Food Tech will be collocated with 3 other shows including “2018 Fresh Food Asia”, the 5th “Fresh Logistics Asia”. The event covers over 50,000 sqm exhibition area, with more than 800 exhibitorsand 35,000 professional visitors.  Be the first to lock down business opportunities!

  • Auto Expo 2017 opens in Hanoi

    Auto Expo 2017 opens in Hanoi

    Domestic auto assemblers and parts suppliers are showcasing their latest products at the 14th International Automobile and Supporting Industries Exhibition (Auto Expo 2017), which opened in Hanoi today.

    The four-day event, sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), is being held at theHanoi International Exhibition Centre by the MoIT’s Industry Policy and Strategy Institute (IPSI) and the Vietnam Society of Automotive Engineers (VSAE).

    The expo has around 450 booths that have on display a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, buses, trucks, vans, vehicles for special purposes such as those serving construction, mining, agricultural, military, medical and hygiene activities, as well as two-wheelers such as scooters, motorcycles and electric bikes.

    With an exhibition space spanning 10,000sq.m, the expo also showcases spare parts and components for producing, manufacturing and assembling automobiles, motorbikes and other vehicles. On display are technologies in moulding, welding, plating, painting, automobile interior decor and toys; maintenance and repair equipment; measurement and diagnosis systems; as well as transportation rescue vehicles and devices.

    At the event, exhibitors have introduced services such as garage services, banking and insurance services, and consultative and assistance services for activities related to vehicle manufacturing and trading.

    In addition to the participation of local auto firms such as Vietnam Engine and Agricultural Machinery Corporation (VEAM), CAMC Việt Nam and Vietnam Machine Investment Development JSC (VIMID), the exhibition has also attracted foreign manufacturers and companies from the US, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Đỗ Thắng Hải said the expo would bring more business opportunities for auto firms, help them connect with the auto market and provide a favourable environment for enterprises looking for clients.

    In 2016, the Vietnamese auto market sold around 300,000 cars, up 24 per cent over the previous year, of which the sales of commercial vehicles and special purpose vehicles increased by 25 per cent and 33 per cent, respectively. In the first quarter of 2017, the auto market sold around 65,000 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 8 per cent.-

  • Footwear, leather promotion conference scheduled this week

    Footwear, leather promotion conference scheduled this week

    A footwear and leather export promotion conference will be held in HCM City next week. In 2016, the sector earned an export revenue of US$16.2 billion, representing an year-on-year increase of 8.8 per cent.

    The information was released on Friday by the Viet Nam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (Lefaso), which said this would be an opportunity for the Vietnamese footwear sector in general and Lefaso in particular to promote images and improve prestige and positions in the Asian region and the world.

    The conference will also give an opportunity for local businesses to meet and share experiences with local partners, approach foreign importers and investors and seek co-operation agreements.

    Some 300 firms manufacturing footwear and materials for the industry inside and outside Viet Nam are expected to participate in the conference, which will focus on issues such as footwear planning and related policies, investment environment, impact of free trade deal on the sector, labour relationship management in the labour-intensive sector, and supply chain optimisation to boost competition and sustainable development.

    They will also discuss the state of the industry in Viet Nam in the context of integration, market demand and technical requirements for the industry to benefit from free trade deals.

    Viet Nam’s leather and footwear industry expects to reach a total export value of US$18 billion this year, up 10 per cent from last year, the association said.

    In 2016, the sector earned an export revenue of $16.2 billion, representing an year-on-year increase of 8.8 per cent.

    Of which, $13 billion came from footwear and the remaining was from handbags and leather items, marking respective annual rises of 8.2 per cent and 11.1 per cent.

  • International coffee, tea and confectionery showcase draws a record number of visitors

    International coffee, tea and confectionery showcase draws a record number of visitors

    Café Asia 2017, International Coffee & Tea Expo (ICT Expo) 2017 and Sweets & Bakes Asia 2017 captivated some 11,000 visitors with a multi-sensorial showcase of ‘Firsts’. The concurrent shows were declared opened by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Member of Parliament of East Coast GRC, on March 2, 2017 at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Hall E. 

    The highly successful Café Asia and ICT Expo series first launched in 2013 and the Sweets & Bakes series which was introduced a year later, together present the largest showcase dedicated to the team coffee and bakery industries in Singapore and the region. This dynamic B2B platform is sought after by key decision makers as a sourcing destination for their café needs and to explore new collaborations and opportunities in a country where the number of specialty coffee drinkers has increased over the years. 

    Spanning 5,000 square metres this year, Café Asia 2017, ICT Expo 2017 and Sweets & Bakes Asia hosted 168 exhibitors from all around the world namely, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, Philippines, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

    The 3-day exhibition raised the bar for three industries with innovations that offered solutions for new recipes, better tasting products and productivity. It introduced some of the latest innovations, developments and technologies at exclusive workshops, classes and demonstrations and on the exhibition floor by industry experts, on everything coffee, tea and baked goods. Visitors discovered new sources and a wide array of supplies and innovative and cutting-edge equipment for cafes and bakeries, from coffee beans from traditional and non-traditional coffee producing countries, tea leaves, taste elevating baking ingredients, new exciting brews like Expresso Martini by Justin Metcalf and delectable gelato flavours.

    Keen Competiton at Seven National Competitions

    Top baristas, tea masters and bakers converged at the shows to contend for national titles and to represent Singapore in the world-level championships. New this year is the inaugural Tea Masters Cup Singapore 2017 where Singapore crowned its first-ever Tea Master to compete at the prestigious Tea Masters Cup International 2017. 

    The National Coffee Championships rolled-out a new competition format, the Singapore Coffee in Good Spirits Championships 2017. The championship celebrates barista’s creativity in celebrating the synergy between coffee and alcohol through innovative beverage recipes. Also returning this year are the Singapore National Barista Championship, Singapore Latte Art Championship, Singapore National Brewers Cup Championship and Singapore Cup Tasters Championship.

    The Singapore Bakery & Confectionery Championship 2017 welcomed top bakers and confectioners who showcased their skills to create the most delicious and delightful breads and pastries. The bakers from some of the best hotels and bakeries here in Singapore kneaded, baked and worked magic with their creations, making them into stunning displays of edible art.

    The winners are:

    Championship

    Winners

    Tea Masters Cup Singapore 2017 – Tea Preparation

    Dave Lim of Sun Ray Café

    Tea Masters Cup Singapore 2017 – Tea Pairing

    Dave Lim of Sun Ray Café

    Tea Masters Cup Singapore 2017 – Tea Tasting

    Darren Chang of Smitten Specialty Coffee & Tea

    Singapore Bakery & Confectionery Championship 2017 – Bread Category Champion

    Jacker Tok Siu Hong of Carlton Hotel

    Singapore Bakery & Confectionery Championship 2017 – Cake Category Champion

    Phua Wei Si and Maryann Tan Rui En of Temasek Polytechnic

    Singapore National Barista Championship

    Terence Tan of Santino Coffee Specialists

    Singapore Latte Art Championship

    Jervis Tan of Kinsmen Coffee

    Singapore National Brewers Cup Championship

    Rodman Chan of A.R.C.

    Singapore Cup Tasters Championship

    Rodman Chan of A.R.C.

    Singapore Coffee in Good Spirits Championship

    Natasha Shariff of Bettr Barista

    Café Asia 2017, ICT 2017 and Sweets and Bakes 2017 are organized by Conference and Exhibitions Management Services (CEMS). Café Asia 2017 and the International Coffee & Tea Expo 2017 are hosted by Singapore Coffee Association and Sweets & Bakes Asia 2017 is hosted by Singapore Bakery and Confectionery Trade Association.

  • Eco Expo Asia, Building and Hardware Fair Open Today

    Eco Expo Asia, Building and Hardware Fair Open Today

    The 11th editions of Eco Expo Asia and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Building and Hardware Fair opened today at the AsiaWorld-Expo. The opening ceremony of Eco Expo Asia was officiated by Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Featuring more than 460 exhibitors, the two fairs run for four days (26-29 October). Nearly 90 buying missions were organised, comprising more than 4,000 corporate buyers from 30 countries and regions. Eco Expo Asia will open its doors to the public free of charge on the last day (29 October) to give visitors a better understanding of green industries.

    Eco Expo Asia spotlights climate change solutions

    The Eco Expo Asia is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, and co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the HKSAR Government.

    Speaking at the opening of Eco Expo Asia, Mr Wong said, “The Hong Kong SAR Government attaches great importance to combating climate change, and actions are being taken on various fronts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with a view to reducing the territory’s carbon intensity between 50% and 60% by 2020, using 2005 as the base. We are on track to meet the said target.”

    Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said, “For more than a decade, Eco Expo Asia has spotlighted exciting technologies for a cleaner and greener future. This year, with reference to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, we have adopted ‘Green Solutions for a Changing Climate’ as the theme. This new focus aims to raise awareness of climate change solutions that will help governments and companies achieve their sustainability goals.”

    This year’s Eco Expo Asia has attracted more than 320 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions and features 12 overseas pavilions and group participations. The expo has nine product zones, spotlighting such topics as Green Transportation Experience, Waste Management and Recycling, Energy Efficiency and Energy, and Green Building Solution and Service as well as the newly-introduced Eco Home Tech zone. Industries, projects and technologies from various countries and regions are showcased, including a number of new green concepts:

    – Hong Kong EV Power Ltd. has brought its Smart Ceiling EV Charger, which can be installed at parking spaces without adjacent walls or columns. The charger is compatible with all EVs on the market.

    – Fortune Dragon Motors Ltd is featuring two pure electric commercial vans (models D11 and D12) that it distributes. The vans are compatible with European and Japanese charging standards and have a maximum range per charge of over 200 kilometres. The D12 model is available for visitors to test drive and test ride at the fair.

    – Eco-Green Group Ltd is exhibiting the Singapore-developed PlanterCell(R) SW-Tank, a high-strength, lightweight and innovative modular storm water storage tank. Made with recycled materials, the system provides a huge capacity for storm water collection and storage to prevent flooding.

    – China Water Industry Group Ltd is displaying its beverage bottle separation and crushing system. The recycled and assorted glass is crushed and processed into eco-friendly colour cullets, which can be used for wall, floor tiles, outdoor building and garden decorations.

    New Eco Home Tech zone

    The new Eco Home Tech zone is presented as a household setting that allows visitors to experience the green living concepts first-hand. An array of innovative green technologies, such as eco-friendly furniture and energy-efficient solutions are featured. Product highlights include the “ButterPly” Eco-friendly Plywood Furniture Series” brought by Upscaling Operations, which is easy to assemble with no screws or tools required; BAFCO Hong Kong Ltd’s Haiku(R) residential ceiling fan, which is equipped with the SenseME(TM) smart technology that monitors room conditions such as movement, temperature and humidity and adjusts fan speed automatically; and Ecopia (Hong Kong) Ltd’s compact household food waste processing system that can fit under the sink. With the use of micro-organisms to break down food waste into water and carbon dioxide, it helps minimise the accumulation of food waste at a cost of just HK$10 per day.

    Eco Asia Conference gathers industry leaders

    The fair’s signature event, the Eco Asia Conference, invites government officials and industry leaders from different countries and regions to discuss key green policies, sustainable developments and industry opportunities. Speakers this year include Yang Tiesheng, Deputy Head, Energy Conservation and Resources Utilisation Department, Ministry of Industry & Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China; and Enoch Lam, Director of Water Supplies, Water Supplies Department of the HKSAR Government.

    Other green topics, including Waste Management & Recycling, Air and Water Quality, Energy Efficiency and Energy, and Green Buildings are also in the spotlight. International industry leaders including Julius de Jong, Managing Director, Orgaworld Asia BV from the Netherlands; Murali Mohan Baggu, Group Manager, Power System Operations and Control Group, National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States; and Jan Zak, DGNB Senior Auditor and Member of the DGNB Technical Committee, ikl GmbH from Germany will offer insights into these hot topics.

    The inaugural Green Transportation Forum is also launched this year, comprising six seminars focusing on the development of the EV industry with topics covering the development trends of EVs, charging systems, technology advancement of solar energy vehicles, and more.

    Public Day to promote green living

    The public can take part in Eco Expo Asia for free on the last day (29 October), to experience the joy of green living through a range of fun activities. Mr Wong will also share his insights with secondary school students during the Dialogue with Secretary for the Environment session. Visitors may also join green workshops to learn how to make eco enzymes and practise permaculture. At the public day forum, representatives from the Hong Kong Observatory will discuss the impact of climate change. Furthermore, a renowned ecological educational consultant will offer tips on eco-photography while the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra will introduce its “Eco Huqins Series” and stage live performances. “Green Mart” offers environmentally friendly products for sale, including DoDo Island’s handbags made with upcycled vintage fabrics from Chinese wedding gowns and Japanese kimonos.

    Building and Hardware Fair showcases innovative exhibits

    The HKTDC Hong Kong International Building and Hardware Fair features more than 140 exhibitors, including new participants from Australia and Malaysia. Shangyu District of Zhejiang Province’s Shaoxing City, well-known as a building industry cluster on the mainland, hosts a pavilion at the fair. The seven fair zones include BIM & Building Technology spotlighting software systems and solutions, and Green Building Materials showcasing various green architectural supplies, as well as Building & Decorative Hardware, Indoor Decorative Materials, and Coating & Chemicals zones.

    Various innovative products on show the Building and Hardware Fair include:

    – VHSoft Technologies Company Ltd’s VHSmart(TM) Mobile Construction management system, a multi-function application that can be used to monitor project progress and for material tracking.

    – BLJ Building Materials Ltd’s Buteline Plumbing System, a drinking water plumbing system from New Zealand that can be installed without soldering. The tough and durable fittings are free of lead and toxic chemicals and are able to prevent the build-up of scale.

    – Talent Forest Ltd’s Far-Infrared Carbon Nano-fibres Heated Wood Flooring, which allows for remote-controlled temperature control via a smart device. The temperature can be adjusted within 5 to 20 minutes and the system will power off while preserving heat after reaching the target temperature.

    The inaugural HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held concurrently with the Eco Expo Asia and HKTDC Hong Kong International Building and Hardware Fair at the AsiaWorld-Expo. The fair has attracted about 380 exhibitors from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan featuring an array of exhibits in Outdoor Lighting, Professional and Industrial Lighting, Advertising Lighting, as well as Lighting Accessories, Parts & Components. As the lighting and building industries are closely related, the parallel fairs create a strong synergistic effect, creating more business opportunities for both exhibitors and buyers.

  • Jokowi Visits Trade Expo Indonesia

    Jokowi Visits Trade Expo Indonesia

    President Joko Widodo has attended the 2016 Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) at the Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran, Jakarta. Jokowi delivered a warm welcome and opened the event.

    Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita, also delivering a speech, said that the expo was meant to help boost trade relations. “We aim to gain direct transactions,” he said October 12, 2016.

    Moreover, Enggartiasto said that Indonesia has to have other top products in export, in light of the weakening global economy.

    There are over 1,100 national corporates in the expo, and around 14,700 buyers. The buyers are also coming from abroad, namely from some African countries and the Middle East. The government expects that the buyers can conduct business transactions which the expo aims to score at around Rp2 trillion.

  • Indonesia To Participate In Manila Fame Expo

    Indonesia To Participate In Manila Fame Expo

    Several Indonesians will be among the master craftsmen from selected ASEAN countries to participate in Manilas premier design and lifestyle event in Pasay City, the Philippines, from October 20 to 22, 2016.

    The ASEAN Master Craft Design Festival, titled Manila FAME, which is being held at the World Trade Center and the Philippine Trade Training Center, will feature an exhibition called ASEAN Crafts to the World that will unveil the first collection of crafts developed through the project “Improving the Current Status of ASEAN Mastercraft Designers”, Alma Argayoso, the Philippine Embassys Trade Representative to Indonesia, said here recently.

    Another highlight of the festival is an exhibition that will feature the works of the first group of ASEAN Master Craftsmen Lim Masulin from Indonesia, Roselyn Long Lah from Malaysia, Al Valenciano from the Philippines, Tuong Phi Duc from Vietnam and Rush Pleansuk from Thailand.

    Lim Masulin, the featured artist from Indonesia is an entrepreneur, inventor and avid connector of the creative industry. He is best known as managing partner of Poiema Creative Group with brands like BYO Living, Chamero Couture and others.

    Indonesias craftsmanship will be highlighted in this years Manila FAME as it will feature not only Lim Masulin but also Indonesian architect Cosmas Gozali, who will curate the ASEAN Master Craftsmen exhibition.

    Fourteen Indonesian companies are also set to participate in the expo with the support of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMESCO), Argayoso added.

    The project is organized by the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) and funded by the ASEAN – Republic of Korea Future Oriented Cooperation Program.

    “The project aims to strengthen and enhance the use of design in reinforcing cultural identity in design development, merchandising, packaging, and marketing of ASEAN products by supporting and sustaining the Master Craftsmen in the region,” according to Argayoso.

    The group will showcase home furnishings, gifts and housewares, garden accessories, and fashion merchandise.

    Meanwhile, the Master Craftsmen from the second set of ASEAN countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Laos PDR, Myanmar, and Singapore will observe the exhibition and prepare for the projects next phase which will then feature their collection of crafts.

  • Trade Expo Indonesia Targets 14,700 Potential Buyers

    Trade Expo Indonesia Targets 14,700 Potential Buyers

    The Trade Ministry is targeting the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2016, which will be held on October 12-16, to be able to attract 14,700 domestic and foreign potential buyers.

    “We provide 1,100 outlets,” Director General of National Export Development of The Trade Ministry Arlinda said in a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 24, 2016.

    Arlinda said there are currently 4,000 potential buyers who have confirmed to attend the expo.

    The Trade Expo 2016 comprises of six leading sector zones, namely manufacture, furniture and home decoration, food and agriculture, creative industry and investment.

    The TEI promotion has been intensively conducted in domestic and abroad.

  • 24 boats partcipating in Sail Indonesia arrive in Alor

    24 boats partcipating in Sail Indonesia arrive in Alor

    Twenty four boats of Sail Indonesia participants arrived in Alor, East Nusa Tenggara on Thursday afternoon, and will travel to a number of destinations in Alor District.

    “The Board of Alor District government and the community welcomed the Sail Indonesia participants today,” Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Creative Economy of Alor District, Adifa Yunus, told Antara before the opening of the 10th Alor Expo in Kalabahi on Tuesday.

    He said tens of participants from various countries will attend the 10th Alor Expo and undertake some cultural tourism Alor District for several days.

    “Sail Indonesia participants, who will be in Alor till August 13, will visit various tourist destinations which have natural beauty and a rich culture. They will also see some marine tourism in Pantar Strait,” he added.

    Rosemarie from Berlin, Germany, one of the participants who has been following Sail Indonesia from Darwin, Australia, observed that it was her first visit and she was deeply fascinated with the nature and culture of Alor.

    “I came for the first time with my husband on a Salmon boat from Kupang. Now I have arrived in Alor to follow the Alor Expo,” she told Antara before the opening of the 10th Alor Expo.

    During her stay in Alor, Rosemarie with her husband and other colleagues participating in the sailing event, will visit various tourist destinations in Alor and will especially try snorkeling in the Pantar Strait.

    “I have been hearing a lot from the people and the media about the underwater natural beauty of Alor and wanted to undertake snorkeling before heading off to any other place,” she informed.

    Rosemarie gushed that she was amazed with the local culture, and termed it a unique and exotic wealth.

    “This is a valuable opportunity I have got in life. Ever since I first came to Alor, I have witnessed firsthand the cultural and natural wealth that a traveler can find here,” she remarked.

    After a visit to various tourist destinations in Alor, she proceeded to Labuan Bajo, as did her other colleagues in the Sail Indonesia, to see the unique species of Komodo, called one of the wonders of the world.

    Sail Indonesia participants aboard 42 boats are currently visiting various tourist destinations in East Nusa Tenggara after they moved out of the city of Kupang. While 24 participant sail boats came to Alor, other participants are visiting various tourist destinations such as Labuan Bajo Flores, Wini in Pulau Timor and Sumba.