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.”
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.
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.
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