More than 70 experts and leaders from the logistics and maritime industries are speaking at the eighth Asian Logistics
and Maritime Conference (ALMC), which opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The
two-day conference, jointly organised by the HKTDC and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR), has attracted more than 2,100 industry elites from over 30 countries and regions, making it one of the largest
events of its kind in Asia.
Today's opening session was officiated by Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
while H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), delivered a
keynote address that gave comprehensive insights into the latest developments and opportunities for the logistics
industry in ASEAN countries and Hong Kong.
Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, welcomed delegates to the conference, saying: "ALMC remains committed to its
goal: to provide a forum for learning, sharing and exchange among some of the biggest players in the industry, and to
help chart a path forward. The event also highlights Hong Kong's role as the region's logistics and maritime hub."
Plenary Session I - Focus on Asian Connectivity
Among the highlights on the first day of ALMC was this morning's plenary session, "Boosting Asian Connectivity for a New
Regional Economic Order". Speakers including Karen Reddington, President, Asia Pacific Division, FedEx Express; Mike
Fang, Vice President, Head of Greater China, Maersk Line; and Zhong Cheng, Deputy General Manager, China Railway
Container Transport Corp Ltd examined the latest opportunities and challenges arising from closer regional cooperation
and integration.
Exploring the Latest Logistics Technology
To offer a holistic view of industry opportunities, a total of eight forums were staged on day one, covering important
issues ranging from supply-chain management and logistics to the air freight and maritime sectors and developments in
technology. A new session, Tech Dialogue, launched this year, featuring Dean Croke, Chief Analytics Officer of
Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA), and Sebastien Gendron, Co-founder and CEO of TransPod. They gave insights into
the applications and potential of blockchain technology and hyperloop transportation, respectively, explaining the inner
workings of these new technologies and outlining potential future developments.
The day also included two Air Freight Forums, "New Paradigm of Regional E-commerce Order Fulfilment Centre - Where and
How?" and "Options in Meeting the New ICAO Air Cargo Security Requirements"; the Maritime Forums "Whatever Next for
Tanker and Gas Market?", "What's More for Liner Shipping?" and "Brighter Prospects for Upbeat Dry Bulk Market"; and the
Regional Forum, "A New Channel for Inland Opening - Hubei International Air Freight Hub".
Plenary Session II - the Online Shopping Revolution
The second Plenary Session will be held tomorrow, chaired by Fox Chu, Partner, McKinsey & Company and with a panel featuring Yang Haifeng, Vice President, Supply Chain Value Management, JD Logistics; Zhang
Jianwei, Former Vice Chairman, Sinotrans & CSC Holdings Co, Ltd and Executive Chair, ICC China Commission on Customs and Trade Facilitation; and Cissy Chan,
Executive Director, Commercial, Airport Authority Hong Kong.
Under the theme of "Online Shopping Revolutionising Logistics & Supply Chain Management", the session will explore how the logistic services and supply chain industry can harness
innovative technologies and cross-sector collaboration to stay competitive amidst the rapid development of e-commerce.
Regional Forums on Asia Pacific Opportunities
With the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge now open, Lu Xiaofeng, Deputy Mayor, Zhuhai Municipal People's Government, and
industry elites from Hong Kong will attend two forums to discuss logistics integration and prospects under the
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiative. A Regional Forum, "The Synergetic Development for Cross-border
E-commerce and Modern Logistics in Zhuhai, Hong Kong and Macao" and the Supply-chain Management & Logistics Forum "How Logistics Related Technologies Boost Productivity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay
Area" will both be held tomorrow.
Other forums on the second day will include the Regional Forums "The Opportunities and Prospects of the CCI - New
International Land - Sea Trade Corridor: Connect the "Belt and Road", Link Trade and Logistics"; and "Don't Get Left Out
in the Cold: Winning @ Cold Supply Chain Logistics". In the latter session, Keith Reardon, Senior Vice-President,
Consumer Products Supply Chain Growth, CN, will talk about its temperature control services and technology solutions
across the Pacific Rim, driven by surging demand of Asia.
Exhibition and Business Matching Foster Business Connections
An exhibition featuring more than 110 exhibitors is being staged alongside the conference to showcase professional and
comprehensive logistics and maritime services and solutions. A new Tech Demo Session offers a platform for home-grown
start-ups to present their innovative solutions to the industry at the event, with participating companies including
Acquaintance Enterprises Limited (LOGFLOWS), Arwin Technology. FreightAmigo Services, Neosen Energy HK and Swivel
Software Limited. More than 150 one-on-one business-matching sessions will be organised to help exhibitors and
participants expand business connections.
The ALMC is a flagship event of Hong Kong Maritime Week and is supported by the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council
and Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board. The Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board continues to organise Hong Kong Maritime
Week.