Some 1,000 leading logistics providers and users, along with senior government officials, from over 26 countries and regions will take part in the second Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference, 8 November, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary John Tsang will open the conference. Morning sessions will include plenary sessions focusing on the global economic shift to Asia and its impact on logistics and supply chain management, and opportunities in emerging markets.

Eastward Economic Shift

Pointing to the opportunities in Asia, Raymond Yip, Assistant Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), said: "The global economy has experienced a steady eastward shift towards Asia since the start of the global financial turmoil in 2008. New rules and practices in supply chain management, logistics and shipping are beginning to take hold across the region."

The plenary session on the global economy's eastward shift will include panellists Scott Price, President and CEO of Walmart Asia; Syed Fakhar Ahmed, Head of Creating Shared Value & Special Projects, Nestlé (China) Ltd; Joseph Phi, President of LF Logistics, the Li & Fung Group; and Riccardo Fuochi, President of Om Log (Asia) Ltd. The emerging market opportunities plenary will feature panellists Glen Burrows, Dell's Area Vice President for Asia Pacific and Japan, OEM Solutions; Sumeth Laomoraphorn, President, CP Intertrade Co Ltd; Dr Kelvin Leung, CEO Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding; and Shashi Kiran Shetty, Executive Chairman, India's Allcargo Logistics and Belgium's ECU Hold NV.

Air, Sea, Wine and China

Four concurrent afternoon sessions will take place, including one on the Chinese mainland's distribution network and its growing e-trading market. China session speakers will include He Liming, President of the state-affiliated China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing; Chen Nian, Chairman and CEO of the Chinese online apparel brand VANCL; and Liu Wu, Chairman, PG Logistics Group.

Asia's maritime future will be explored in a breakout session moderated by Martin Rowe, Managing Director of Clarkson Asia Ltd. The session's panel will include Eric Ip, Deputy Group Managing Director of Hutchison Port Holdings, and Andy Tung, CEO of Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. Panellist Nazery Khalid of Malaysia's Center for Maritime Economics and Industries, Maritime Institute, said he looks forward to a "gathering of captains of the industry."

Another session will address the impact of Asian consumerism on air cargo, with Ivan Chu, COO, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, and Edward Lau, Managing Director of TNT Express Worldwide (HK) Ltd, among the speakers.

Industry trends, opportunities and challenges related to Asia's booming wine market will be on the table at a panel moderated by Gregory De 'Eb, General Manager, Crown Wine Cellars. Panellist Toby Marion, Director and Owner, Golden Gate Wine Co Ltd, predicts that Asia's wine market will continue to grow. "A key to business success, however, will be efficient supply chain management, especially for trading, importations and customs clearance," he said.

Networking Opportunities

Meetings among delegates can be arranged via the conference's online business matching service. A networking luncheon and conference reception will also take place. Visits to major logistics facilities in Hong Kong and the mainland's Pearl River Delta have been arranged for 7 November.

The Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference is 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. Honorary advisors include: James Thompson, Chairman, Crown Worldwide Holdings Ltd; Akimitsu Ashida, Representative Director and Chairman of Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd; Tung Chee Chen, Chairman, Orient Overseas International Ltd, and Marvin Cheung Kin Tung, Chairman, Hong Kong Airport Authority.

Concurrent Events

The conference coincides with HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (8-10 November) and the HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair (7-9 November). The two fairs will also be held at the HKCEC.

Website: http://www.asianlogisticsconference.com  

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Media Enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC's Corporate Communication Department:

Joe Kainz Tel: (852) 2584 4216 Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org  

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 11 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organizes 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 Twitter @HKTDC