For the first time, the Republic of China (ROC) is hosting the Asian Productivity Organization’s (APO’s) Eco-Products International Fair (EPIF) from 13 to 16 March at the Taipei World Trade Center. This 9th EPIF was jointly organized by the APO and Bureau of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and implemented by the Taiwan Green Trade Project Office of the MOEA, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), and China Productivity Center.

ROC President Ying-Jeou Ma commented during the welcome reception that many countries were focusing on green growth as the new engine of economic growth. He added that, “This government is serious in keeping our standards to comply with those of the United Nations… to establish a green economy.”

At the opening ceremony, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Jong-Chin Shen stated that for the first time, “The EPIF is using the ISO 20121 system, that is, the event sustainability management system.” It reflected the recent efforts and achievements of the ROC in effectively managing its green endeavors.

The exhibition, themed Go Green, Act Greener, focuses mainly on the B2B (business-to-business), B2C (business-to-consumer), and B2G (business-to-government) models and showcases cutting-edge, environmentally friendly eco-technologies, eco-products, and eco-services. Two hundred and seven exhibitors from across Asia and Europe are presenting products and services in the areas of energy, green buildings, environmental technology, and smart green city solutions. The exhibition is open only to the business community for the first two days and then to the public for the final two days. On the opening day, over 1,300 business buyers visited the EPIF.

The EPIF was now especially relevant, as according to Chairperson of Green Productivity Advisory Committee Teisuke Kitayama, who is also Chairman of the Board of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, “Many Asian cities will soon be confronting serious global environmental challenges.” Therefore, “All segments from governments to industries to individuals must work together to alleviate environmental degradation by promoting a green economy.” APO Secretary-General Mari Amano further commented that, “The pursuit of higher productivity is compatible with the protection of our environment.”

When asked how the ROC had collaborated on green initiatives, CEO of TAITRA Peter Huang gave the example of ROC–Japan cooperation in “research and development on smart grid-related products for Asian countries” which would ultimately benefit the Asia-Pacific region.

The launch of Eco-products Database 2014 was also announced at the EPIF. The 2014 database contains the most numerous listings of eco-products, countries, and firms/organizations since the first edition in 2004.

An international conference on Achieving Sustainability to Empower Future Generations is being held concurrently with days 1 and 2 of the EPIF, featuring a parade of renowned speakers from the ROC, Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the USA. In the next few days, visitors and exhibitors from around the world can also take part in business-matching opportunities.