(EnergyAsia, October 19, Monday) --- The fourth edition of Carbon Forum Asia in Singapore on October 26-27 is expected to attract more than 1,200 participants from more than 80 countries to seek deals, exchange ideas and showcase the latest carbon abatement solutions and technologies.

Adding to the lively atmosphere, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be staging its 8th CDM World Designated National Authorities (DNA) Forum in conjunction with Carbon Forum Asia.

Jointly organised by Koelnmesse Pte Ltd and the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), the event will be held at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore. They are expecting a 10-15% increase in participation from Chinese companies as well as increased presence of US-based companies.

The UNFCCC World DNA Forum will bring together country and government representatives who will share their experiences in clean development mechanism (CDM) and discuss issues leading up to the negotiations at the Copenhagen UN Climate Change Summit in December.

The event will feature a customised networking session on October 28 for DNAs to meet with the exhibitors to discuss the latest innovations in the market.

Koelnmesse general manager Ralph Hendrich said: “We want to establish a platform for buyers and sellers. You will not see crowds of people walking through the exhibition like other trade fairs instead you will see small groups of people at different booths having intense discussions.

“Participants will have to buy a ticket or an exhibitor package for the event. There will be no walk-in visitors. People who come in to the fair have a purpose.”

Will Koelnmesse be paid for each deal made at Carbon Forum Asia?

Mr Hendrich said: “We don’t get a cut from the deals made at Carbon Forum Asia. Our focus is on bringing companies, associations, NGOs, governments and consultants together.  We want this event to be a platform for deal-making and for people to exchange ideas and contacts.”

There will be a conference session featuring high-level discussions covering the carbon market value chain. Expert speakers will discuss issues such as:

•    Making carbon finance work for development in Asia;
•    US politics and implications for Asia in the North American greenhouse gas market;
•    Socioeconomic benefits generated by Asian carbon markets;
•    Changes in CDM guidelines and procedures – how to benefit from the enhancements?
•    Greening the power sector and the role of carbon finance.

Henry Derwent, President and CEO of IETA said:

“There has never been a more crucial time for promotions of carbon-reduction projects to lead the future. With CDM reforms, a new US market, and a whole new chapter opening for Kyoto after 2012, seizing the opportunity that Carbon Forum Asia 2009 provides to meet contacts and hear experts must be on top of every Asian carbon professional agenda.”

Last year’s event drew 109 exhibitors, 60 project developers, DNAs and government officials, over 100 industry leaders, and 1,000 participants from more than 80 countries.

Singapore’s Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Ya’acob Ibrahim will be opening the event.