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Hong Kong International Optical Fair to open in November Focus on advanced technology and sustainable design

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International Optical Fair
  • Over 700 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions to participate from 6-8 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
  • Exhibition reflects four prominent market trends: technology, lifestyle, functionality and sustainability
  • Concurrent Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium to explore latest breakthroughs in myopia control and prevention
  • Finalists of the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition to be unveiled

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 October 2024 – The 32nd Hong Kong International Optical Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), will take place on 6-8 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme of Seeing is Believing, the Fair features innovative and state-of-the-art eyewear designs and products, bringing together industry players to facilitate new business opportunities.

Buyer Registration linkhttps://tinyurl.com/mwpzh324

Sophia Chong, Acting Executive Director of the HKTDC emphasised: “This year’s Hong Kong International Optical Fair, a long-standing industry highlight for over 30 years, is more international than ever, attracting more than 700 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions. The fair reflects the dynamic evolution in eyewear design and technology. Exhibitors worldwide are aligning their products with key trends in technology, lifestyle, functionality and sustainability to capture expanded market opportunities. This exhibition, which is truly a feast for the eyes, demonstrates Hong Kong’s advantages as an international trade and procurement centre.”

Hong Kong ranks as the world’s third-largest exporter of eyewear and frames. The total export value of Hong Kong’s eyewear, lenses and frames is estimated to have reached HK$19.9 billion in 2023, signalling substantial growth. The smart eyewear sector has emerged as an industry focal point, with the global market exceeding HK$40 billion in 2023 and projected to surpass HK$100 billion by 2029.

Exhibitors from around the globe, including Europe and Americas, such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Asia such as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Türkiye in the Middle East, and more, will present their latest offerings at the fair. Prominent Hong Kong brands will also have a significant presence.

This year’s Optical Fair will feature a number of group pavilions, including Mainland China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, as well as the Visionaries of Style and HKOMA Pavilion; along with pavilions from cities in Mainland China, including Danyang in Jiangsu, Jiaojiang in Zhejiang, Shenzhen in Guangdong and Yingtan in Jiangxi.

TheBrand Name Gallery, the focal point of the Fair, will showcase over 200 renowned global brands. Other zones will present a broad spectrum of eyewear products, including Smart Eyewear, Contact Lenses & Accessories, Designer Café pavilion, Sporting & Professional Eyewear, Kids Eyewear & Reading Glasses, Lenses, Frames & Parts, Eyewear Accessories, Diagnostic Instruments, as well as Optometric Instruments, Equipment & Machinery.

The 22nd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium will be held on 7 November. Jointly organised by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Optometric Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, this year’s symposium will focus on myopia control and prevention. Scholars from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Australia, and Germany will lead discussions with industry professionals. The symposium is a pre-approved CPD Programme recognised by the Optometrists Board and attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance. The Fair will also offer talks and seminars on smart eyewear, functional eyewear, sustainability and other advancements in the eyewear industry.

To foster Hong Kong’s creativity and innovation, the HKTDC and HKOMA will run the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition under the theme of Be Bold. Results will be announced during the Hong Kong International Optical Fair. Winning and final entries will be on display at The Forum, Hall 1D during the fair period to showcase Hong Kong’s creativity to international buyers.

Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, exhibitors and buyers can meet online through the Click2Match business matching platform in addition to attending the physical fair until 15 November. Buyers can also use the Scan2Match feature of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan the QR codes of exhibitors and view product materials, bookmark favourites, browse product information and floor plans, as well as engage with exhibitors before and after the fairs to continue their sourcing journey.

Featured ProductsExhibitors at the forefront of the industry are unveiling an array of innovative eyewear products in line with technology, lifestyle, functionality and sustainability trends. Some of the highlighted products are:

Technology

Solos AirGo™ V – Smart EyewearEquipped with a camera, Solos AirGo™ V is the world’s first smart eyewear with ChatGPT-4 functionality, and provides instant responses to what you seeSolos Technology Limited
Product Zone: Visionaries of Style
Booth: GH-B26
Reform Eyewear
Reform features a new patented flexible frame technology that seamlessly adapts to any frame shape, size, colour or material, suitable for both prescription and sunglasses. This innovation offers endless possibilities for eyewear design, while ensuring safety and comfort.Icare (Hong Kong) Company Limited
Product Zone: Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association Pavilion
Booth: 1E-C08


Lifestyle

Fashion-Forward Yagioka EyewearThe local design brand Big Horn has launched the Yagioka eyewear line, featuring a modern and refined design that is perfect for fashion-forward people. This eyewear design was a finalist for the USA Accessories Council’s Design Excellence Awards 2024.The Panda eyewear series draws inspiration for its colours and shapes from the beloved animal. Crafted with precision and made from high-quality biodegradable materials, it combines functionality with aesthetic appeal.Winky International Limited
Product Zone: Brand Name Gallery
Booth: GH-R03
Rosie Allan – A Design for Both Parents and Children

Established in 2020, Rosie Allan transcends being just a brand; it celebrates family bonds and unforgettable moments. Specialising in 100% handcrafted acetate sunglasses, the matching parent-child collection symbolises love and togetherness.Rosie Allan Pty Ltd
Product Zone: Brand Name Gallery
Booth: GH-D07
Luxury Jewellery-inspired Handcrafted EyewearThis Japanese brand merges high-end jewellery design with eyewear, utilising premium materials, such as 18K gold and natural diamonds. Each pair is meticulously handcrafted with a commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and is specifically designed for Asian facial features, exuding elegance.Inon Co. Ltd.
Product Zone: Japan Pavilion
Booth: GH-B12


Functionality
:

Nano Vista Children’s Sports EyewearCrafted exclusively for kids and young athletes, Nano Vista – a Spanish brand – offers eyewear designed for outdoor activities. It is internationally recognised for safety, meets European EN166:2001 standards and is endorsed by top sports federations.Opticon Ltd
Product Zone: Brand Name Gallery
Booth: GH-C06


Sustainability:

Sustainable Eyewear Frame SolutionThe eyewear frames are made from BioCell material. BioCell is a cellulose acetate derived from cotton or wood pulp, certified as biodegradable according to ISO 14855 standards. It contains no industry-standard plasticisers and is compatible with polycarbonate lenses.Eleung Limited
Product Zone: Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association Pavilion
Booth: 1E-D14
Eco-Friendly Nylon and PC LensesEco-friendly nylon and polycarbonate (PC) lenses are produced using sustainable materials, reducing carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. They feature high abrasion and scratch resistance and have received multiple certifications. Even in low-temperature conditions, they maintain hardness and toughness, providing excellent clarity and optical transmission performance.Mellan Limited
Product Zone: Frames & Parts
Booth: 1E-C28

Websites:
The 32nd Hong Kong International Optical Fair:https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en

Event Details of the Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/intelligence-hub

The 22nd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/the-22nd-hong-kong-international-optometric-symposium

The HKTDC’s Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Fair Details (Physical)
Date:6 – 8 November (Wednesday to Friday)
Time:(6 to 7 November) 9:30am – 6:30pm(8 November) 9:30am – 5:00pm
Venue:Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Admission:For trade visitors aged 18 or above only.Onsite Registration Fee: HK$100 per person (free for e-Badge registration and pre-registered buyers)
Click2Match – Smart Business Matching Platform
Date:30 October – 15 November

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Namibia’s Orange Basin Moves Toward First Oil at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

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African Energy Chamber

The “Invest in Namibia: Transforming Discoveries into Production” session will examine how Namibia can turn its offshore oil boom into a broader industrial opportunity through local suppliers, skills development, technology transfer and domestic investment

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 27, 2026/APO Group/ –After a series of major offshore discoveries transformed Namibia into one of the world’s most closely watched exploration frontiers, attention is shifting from proving resources to building the infrastructure, partnerships and industrial capabilities needed to bring them into production. At African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, the session “Invest in Namibia: Transforming Discoveries into Production. Orange Basin’s Path to First Oil” will examine how the country can capture value beyond the development of individual oil fields and use the emerging petroleum sector as a catalyst for wider economic growth.





 

TotalEnergies’ Venus discovery is technically ready to move toward a Final Investment Decision, with negotiations on fiscal terms still underway. The project’s development concept targets around 150,000 barrels per day at peak production, with first oil potentially around 2030. FEED has been completed and major contractors selected, bringing Namibia’s first potential deepwater oil development closer to execution.

The real measure of Namibia’s oil opportunity will not simply be how many barrels it produces, but how much economic value those barrels create at home

Meanwhile, the Orange Basin continues to attract major international players. TotalEnergies and Galp strengthened their positions across the Venus and Mopane discoveries in 2025, with TotalEnergies becoming operator of Mopane and Galp taking a participating interest in Venus. In August 2026, Equinor agreed to acquire a 17.4% stake in Chevron’s PEL 90, marking its first upstream entry into a new country since 2017. The block is expected to see another exploration well before the end of the year.

The scale of investment now being contemplated makes the question of local economic participation increasingly urgent. Namibia’s draft Local Content Policy identifies the development of national capabilities, employment, local procurement and stronger domestic value chains as central to ensuring that petroleum resources generate benefits beyond government revenues. The government has also highlighted technical training and partnerships with universities and industry as priorities for preparing Namibians for the emerging oil and gas sector.

For Namibia, this means moving beyond an export-led model in which capital, equipment and specialist expertise flow in and crude flows out. Developing local suppliers, financing Namibian businesses, building research and training hubs and creating opportunities for joint ventures could help establish capabilities that extend well beyond the life of individual oil projects. The opportunity spans engineering and fabrication, logistics, marine services, environmental management, digital technologies and other areas of the petroleum supply chain.

“The real measure of Namibia’s oil opportunity will not simply be how many barrels it produces, but how much economic value those barrels create at home,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Namibia has a chance to build a competitive African energy industry around its discoveries – one that creates jobs, develops local companies, transfers technology and gives Namibians a meaningful stake in the country’s energy future.”

The session will look beyond first oil itself to the ecosystem required to sustain production and translate upstream investment into long-term industrial development. With Venus, Mopane and further Orange Basin exploration moving toward development, Namibia has an opportunity to establish the commercial partnerships, financing structures and technical capabilities needed to ensure its petroleum boom becomes an economy-wide growth story.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.




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BUTEC, secures major Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for Casablanca Waste-to-Energy Project

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BUTEC

Serving a population of more than 4.2 million people across Greater Casablanca, this project represents a significant step in the region’s transition towards a more sustainable and circular approach to waste management

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, August 28, 2026/APO Group/ –The consortium comprising Nareva, Kanadevia Inova and Itochu Corporation, through its 33.5-year concession agreement with the Municipality of Casablanca, has entrusted BUTEC (www.BUTEC.com) with a major Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for Casablanca’s landmark Waste-to-Energy (WtE) project, leveraging BUTEC’s multidisciplinary engineering and contracting capabilities for one of Morocco’s most significant waste management and energy recovery developments.

 

For the delivery of this landmark project, BUTEC has joined forces with the Switzerland-based Kanadevia Inova, a global leader in Waste-to-Energy and renewable gas solutions.

Located northwest of the Mediouna landfill in the Casablanca-Settat region of the Kingdom of Morocco, this ultra-large waste incineration facility will process approximately 1.5 million tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually, significantly reducing reliance on landfill.

By diverting the waste from landfill and converting it into energy, this plant is expected to prevent up to 1.0 tonne of CO₂-equivalent emissions per tonne of waste while generating 126 MWe of baseload electricity.

BUTEC is establishing itself as the generalist EPC contractor of choice in this strategic sector

Serving a population of more than 4.2 million people across Greater Casablanca, this project represents a significant step in the region’s transition towards a more sustainable and circular approach to waste management, while supporting Morocco’s broader energy transition and long-term decarbonization ambitions.

BUTEC’s Scope of Work:

While Kanadevia Inova is responsible for the technology and the process part of the EPC works, as well as operations support, long-term maintenance, and financing of the facility, BUTEC will be responsible for civil works for the whole facility and for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of Non-Process buildings, facilities, and associated works, including all civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works, as well as the external infrastructure works required for the Project.

Commenting on the significance of the award, Raymond Daou (SVP Strategy & Business Development) stated:

“Building on our affiliates’ long-standing presence in Morocco, where BUTEC has established itself as one of the country’s leading players in Electromechanical Solutions, the Group is reinforcing, through this landmark contract, its contribution to the Kingdom’s sustainable development ambitions.

Furthermore, with three consecutive large-scale Waste-to-Energy projects across the geographies in which it operates, BUTEC is establishing itself as the generalist EPC contractor of choice in this strategic sector. This latest award confirms once again our ability to combine multidisciplinary engineering expertise, strong local execution capabilities and close cooperation with world-leading process technology partners to deliver complex energy and environmental facilities.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BUTEC Group.

 

 




 

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Asantehene opens Africa Business Investment Summit in Washington, DC with a $500m Investment Target in Africa

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Asantehene

The opening ceremony, themed “The Asante Crown Meets the Diaspora,” convened more than 400 registered delegates, including senior government officials, C-suite executives, and US-based institutional investors

 




 

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, August 28, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • Asantehene presented a royal vision for Africa’s economic renaissance
  • Day 1 proceeded under the theme – The Vision Day: Unlocking Africa’s Century, A Diaspora Mandate”
  • Fireside chat with Boris Kodjoe on The Diaspora Return

The Africa Business Investment Summit 2026 opened this morning at the MGM National Harbor, in Washington D.C. Metro, with a royal keynote by the Summit’s Patron, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, as the Millennium Excellence Week hosts its first event outside of Ghana.

The opening ceremony, themed “The Asante Crown Meets the Diaspora,” convened more than 400 registered delegates, including senior government officials, C-suite executives, and US-based institutional investors. They were drawn together under a single mandate: to facilitate $500 million in structured capital commitments between African deal originators and US institutional capital during the two-day summit.

Delivering his keynote address, His Majesty articulated a vision of African economic sovereignty where the diaspora serves as architects of continental development. Speaking with characteristic authority, His Majesty called on African governments, diaspora communities, and international institutional partners to align capital, policy frameworks, and political will behind a shared agenda for the continent’s economic future.

In his address, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene said: “For too long, Africa has been described mainly in terms of its deficiencies. We have heard of the roads not built, the electricity not generated, the jobs not created, the capital not available, and the institutions not strong enough,”

For too long, Africa has been described mainly in terms of its deficiencies

Speaking further he noted that “Africa must no longer be regarded merely as a continent of future potential. Africa is already becoming a central part of the future global economy, and those who understand this early will position themselves advantageously.”

Honorable Sampson Ahi, Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, who represented the President of the Republic of Ghana, detailed macroeconomic indicators signalling domestic economic recovery and industrial policy priorities: “ Our ambition is transformation. We want an economy that moves beyond exporting raw materials to manufacturing finished products, creating value, jobs, and shared prosperity. We want capital that drives productivity, entrepreneurship, and innovation. This is the philosophy behind the twenty-four-hour economy program, which is a commitment stimulating round-the-clock production, improving productivity, and developing a competitive and export-oriented economy.”

The first day of the summit concluded under the theme “The Vision Day: Unlocking Africa’s Century, A Diaspora Mandate”, exploring through a series of plenary sessions the most pressing deal themes in US–Africa investment today.

Programme spotlights included: The Diaspora Return, a fireside chat with Boris Kodjoe, Beyond Remittances: Building Africa’s Sixth Region, diaspora capital beyond transfers, The New Gold Rush: Africa’s Seat at America’s Critical Minerals Table,  Ghana’s Gold Moment: From the Gold Coast to Global Market Power, The Diaspora Dollar: Fintech and the Next Remittance Corridor and Powering the Continent: Energy, Infrastructure and the US–Africa Partnership

The second and final day of the event will continue to explore investment opportunities across the continent through sector spotlights on the Creative Economy, Health & Pharma, Technology, and Digital Financial Services.

Following these plenaries, the event will conclude with bilateral investment meetings that will translate the vision outlined in the plenary hall into concrete investment decisions.

Review Day 1 Plenary Sessions: https://apo-opa.co/4cPkRRP

Watch Day 2 Live Stream: https://apo-opa.co/4gYIxFP

  • Day 2 to explore investment opportunities and conclude with bilateral investment meetings

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Millennium Excellence Foundation.

 

 




 

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