IGEM 2016 Generates Record US$491.09 Mln Business Leads

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- The Seventh International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM 2016), held in October, generated a record US$491.09 million (RM2.2 billion) in business leads, says Malaysian Green Technology Corporation Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Hadri Haris. (US$1 = RM4.47) The four-day event was critical in forging strategic partnership, sharing industry knowledge and cultivating greater awareness on the importance of adopting green technology. "Despite current global economic uncertainties, it is encouraging to see companies prioritising investment in green technology, reflecting the region's commitment to bolster green economy," he told reporters before a media appreciation lunch here Tuesday. Ahmad Hadri said the next IGEM, slated for Oct 11-13, 2017, was expected to generate about RM2 billion worth of business leads based on the positive outcome of similar events held the past two years. "For this year's event, we partnered the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association and designated an entire exhibition hall to showcase solar technology in efforts to encourage and spur interest towards green technology," he said. Organised by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water and co-organised by GreenTech Malaysia, 350 exhibitors from around the globe took part with 419 exhibition booths. The annual event, held since 2010, has generated total business leads of US$2.23 billion (RM10 billion), attracting over 330,000 patrons from 50 countries including China, Germany, Japan, Norway, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States. IGEM 2016 also saw GreenTech Malaysia forging partnerships, among others with BMW Malaysia and Petronas Dagangan Bhd, estimated to be worth some RM130 million. -- BERNAMA