Hong Kong: One thousand logistics providers and users, along with government officials, from 26 countries and regions are expected to take part in the second Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference on Thursday November 8 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
Morning sessions will focus on the global economic shift to Asia and its impact on logistics, supply chain management and opportunities in emerging markets.
"The global economy has experienced a steady eastward shift towards Asia since the start of the global financial turmoil in 2008," said Raymond Yip, assistant executive director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
Panellists Scott Price, president and CEO of Walmart Asia; Syed Fakhar Ahmed, head of creating shared value and special projects, Nestle (China) Ltd; Joseph Phi, president of LF Logistics, the Li & Fung Group and Riccardo Fuochi, president of Om Log (Asia) Ltd will speak at the plenary session.
Emerging market opportunities will be explored by panellists Glen Burrows, Dell's area vice president for Asia Pacific and Japan, OEM Solutions; Sumeth Laomoraphorn, president, CP Intertrade Co Ltd; Kelvin Leung, CEO Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding and Shashi Kiran Shetty, executive chairman, India's Allcargo Logistics and Belgium's ECU Hold NV.
Four concurrent afternoon sessions will include one on the mainland's distribution network and its growing e-trading market attended by 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.
At another concurrent session, Asia's maritime future will be explored by Martin Rowe, managing director of Clarkson Asia Ltd, together with Eric Ip, deputy group managing director of Hutchison Port Holdings and Andy Tung, CEO of Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd.
Another session will address the impact of Asian consumerism on air cargo with Ivan Chu, COO, Cathay Pacific Airways and Edward Lau, managing director of TNT Express Worldwide (HK) Ltd among other 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.
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 Wednesday November 7.
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, the Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council and Hong Kong Port Development Council. [01/11/12]
