The regional workshop on Better Air Quality (BAQ 2002) is the third in a series of workshops on air pollution convened in Hong Kong. The first workshop entitled "Diesel Vehicle Exhaust Treatment Technology and Motorcycle Emission Workshop" was held in 11-12 January 1999. The second workshop entitled "Better Air Quality: Motor Vehicle Control & Technology Workshop" was held in 18-20 December 2000.

As the third workshop in this series, BAQ 2002 will adopt a stronger regional focus. Its main theme is to share technological and control experience and information on air quality in the region. In line with the broadening of the scope of the workshop, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia), and the Air Pollution in Mega Cities of Asia (APMA) Project have agreed to co-organize BAQ 2002.

The first two workshops, organized jointly by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), were well received. There were over 200 attendees in the first workshop and about 600 attendees in the second workshop. The main focus of these two workshops was on sharing the Hong Kong experience in motor vehicle emission control; participants came mainly from Hong Kong. Both workshops were held at PolyU.

Sponsors for the first workshop included The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. (KMB), US-AEP, MECA and Engelhard. This workshop was officiated by the Heads of EPD and the PolyU.

The second workshop was sponsored by KMB, Citybus Ltd., New World First Bus Services Ltd, Cummins Inc., Dah Chong Hong (Motor Service Centre) Ltd., Engelhard Corporation and Shell Hong Kong Ltd. The second workshop was officiated by the Hon Mr. Tung Chee-Wah, Chief Executive (CE) of HKSARG while Mr. Mike Kenny, Executive Director, of California Air Resources Board (ARB) delivered the key note speech.