November 7, 2013 – More than 1,500 logistics providers and users from 26 countries and regions took part in the third Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Among them were delegations from Cambodia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Namibia, Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States. In his opening remarks, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Executive Director Fred Lam noted that the conference, “with its wealth of speakers and its programme of central industry themes, underlines the value Hong Kong places on the logistics and maritime sectors.” Super-Connector In his conference speech, Hong Kong SAR Government Chief Executive CY Leung said that Hong Kong has long been China’s entrepôt and its logistics and maritime hub. “Now we are welcoming more logistics companies to Hong Kong,” he said. “The growth of overseas logistics business will enhance our city’s role as a super-connector linking the mainland of China and the rest of the world.” Mr Leung added that Hong Kong was “preparing to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement” with ASEAN, and that the agreement “will help to strengthen trade and logistics in our region and add to the competitiveness and efficiency of our supply chains.” Dr Patrick Low, Vice-President of Research for the Fung Global Institute and former chief economist at the World Trade Organisation, presented the keynote address, speaking on trends and prospects for intra-Asian trade. In all, 37 high-profile speakers from nine countries and regions took part in the conference. ASEAN and e-Commerce The opening plenary sessions focused on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the implications of growing trade between ASEAN and the Chinese mainland. The session’s speakers included Robert Li, Executive Director, Supply Chain for Asia Pacific, the Lenovo Group, Ronald Widdows, Chairman of the World Shipping Council, and George Yeo, Chairman of the Kerry Logistics Network. The second plenary examined the rise of e-commerce and the retail revolution e-tailing is creating. Speakers included Michele Ferrario, Managing Director of Zalora South East Asia, Scott Price, President and CEO of Walmart Asia, and Shi Tao, Vice President, Retail/General Manager for Global Business at the JD.com Group. Sea, Air and China The conference featured four afternoon thematic forums, including a spotlight on the potential of the Chinese mainland. Speakers included Dr Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of Damco North Asia, and Shi Wanwen, Senior Vice-President of the TCL Corporation. Martin Rowe, Managing Director of Clarkson Asia Ltd, moderated an afternoon session on Asia’s maritime future. Speakers included Randy Chen, Director of Wan Hai Lines, Peter Kerr-Dineen, Chairman of Howe Robinson & Co Ltd, and Martin Stopford, President of Clarkson Research Services Ltd. Dr Jonathan Beard, Vice President & Global Lead Logistics and Ports Consultancy, at ICF GHK, moderated the air cargo forum. Speakers included James Woodrow, Director of Cargo for Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, and Gert-Jan Jansen, Executive Director of the Seabury Group. Food Movers The fourth forum, on food logistics, was moderated by Craig Bowyer, Operations Director of Swire Pacific Cold Storage Ltd. Speakers included William E O’Brien, President of HAVI Supply Chain Solutions, and Hang Tian, CEO of China Merchants Americold. Networking Events This year, for the first time, the conference included an exhibition. More than 50 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions took part, showcasing their offerings in e-logistics, logistics services and maritime services. Meetings among conference participants were arranged via the conference’s online business-matching service. Other conference activities included a networking luncheon and a reception following the afternoon forums. Logistics Week The conference was part of Logistics & Maritime Week, which offers a variety of industry activities and events, including tomorrow’s GS1 Hong Kong Supply Chain Management Excellence Summit. Conference Organisers The ALMC was organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the HKTDC in association with the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council, Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council and Hong Kong Port Development Council. The conference also enjoyed the support of 19 high-powered conference advisors. Conference Website http://www.asianlogisticsconference.com/en/index.html Video Shanghai Zone Offers Regional Logistics Opportunities: http://youtu.be/pRAB9ZVJTeM
Media Enquiries Please contact the HKTDC’s Corporate Communication Department: Hong Kong Joe Kainz Tel: (852) 2584 4216 Email: [email protected] New York Carol Kwok Tel: (1) 212-838-8688 Email: [email protected] About the HKTDC A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 12 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com. Follow us on Google+ Twitter @hktdc LinkedIn