To create awareness and address the challenges of achieving sustainable growth in its member countries across the Asia-Pacific region, the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in collaboration with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Ministry of Industry of Thailand, and Thailand Productivity Institute will hold the 10th Eco-products International Fair (EPIF 2016) during June 8-11 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre. The EPIF is one of the largest international environmental exhibitions in Asia, and this is the second time for Thailand to host the event.
 
Thailand prime minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha will inaugurate the EPIF. The fair and the parallel Asia EnviroEconomics Conference on ‘Concerted Efforts for a Sustainable Future through 24-Hour Eco-Life’ will also be attended by Green Productivity Advisory Committee chairperson Hajime Bada, and APO secretary-general Mari Amano as well as key policymakers and industry leaders from member countries, host Thailand and representatives of leading research institutes and international organizations.
 
“The EPIF and related activities were designed to create and expand business opportunities that will show immediate benefit while accelerating the diffusion of eco-knowledge and expanding green markets in the APO region and ultimately worldwide to create a sustainable global society,” an APO press release quoted secretary-general Amano as saying.
 
With the theme of ‘24-Hour Eco-Life’, the focus of the EPIF 2016 is on the development of a low-carbon society and green growth to mitigate the environmental effects of climate change. The fair and Asia EnviroEconomics Conference will also highlight simple ways citizens can help protect our environment through daily activities.
 
The exhibition space is divided into eco-innovation, eco-product, and eco-service zones where some 200 leading international and Thai enterprises will display solutions based on both traditional knowledge and modern technology. Enterprises in the automotive and transport, construction material, clothing and textile, food and dairy, container, electrical machinery, furniture, IT and office supply, logistics, energy, and educational sectors will be represented. Twenty-eight Japanese corporations will exhibit cutting-edge eco-products and -services at the EPIF 2016, reflecting their commitment to sharing technologies to protect our environment through innovative product and service options.
 
The FTI will showcase its Sustainability Corporate Index tool to assess organizational performance and sustainability; the assessment outcome is the basis for planning further development. Visitors and exhibitors can take part in business matchmaking sessions during the four-day fair and associated conference. Special features like VIP booth tours, Eco-living, Eco-kids, and main stage activities are designed to appeal to and educate visitors of all ages.