Saudi businessmen and entrepreneurs, particularly those engaged in environmentally-directed business and industry, are urged to attend the first eco-trade fair in the Philippines to be held on Aug. 26-28, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The fair, called the First Philippine International Eco-Show, will provide a rare opportunity for Saudi companies, specializing in products and services on environment, to learn the latest developments in eco-business and enter into cooperative ventures with Philippines and international companies, according to Paisal D. Abdulla, Director of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center at the Consulate General in Jeddah. “Because the eco-fair will showcase the diverse and innovative eco-friendly products and services offered by green companies and eco-entrepreneurs, the event presents the best opportunity for our Saudi partners to explore cooperative ventures,” Abdulla said. He said the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) currently estimates the global eco-business to be as much as €330-410 billion. He said the fair comes at a time when the world is seriously focusing on environmental conservation. “The show is expected to become the first trade and promotional platform for environmentally-compliant products and services in the country. It affirms Philippine support for the global movement by serving as a catalyst for integrating green initiatives nationwide,” Abdulla said. The three-day eco-fair features an exhibition divided into three zones. The first is the eco-industrial zone presenting eco-friendly construction materials and solutions for sustainable architecture and green building, such as home and building materials, home style products, and electronic parts and equipment that demonstrate efficient energy practices for waste reduction. The second is the eco-lifestyle zone which showcases natural and organic products, health and wellness services, as well as pleasant eco-places that offer healthy and wholesome living options, while the third is the eco-advocates zone that connects public and private initiatives focusing on renewable energy and waste management. A forum for global stakeholders and the academe will also be convened that will discuss global trends, policies, issues within the emerging eco-industry, and initiatives seeking to strengthen industry commitments and interventions in setting future trends and directions.
