The 14th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), co-organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), commenced today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Supply Chains: Resilience and Sustainability”, the two-day event gathers over 80 distinguished speakers and more than 2,000 participants from 30+ countries and regions to address emerging trends and opportunities in supply chain management, aviation, and logistics.
Strengthening Hong Kong’s Position as a Global Trade Hub
Chan Kwok-ki, Acting Chief Executive of the HKSAR, emphasized Hong Kong’s role as a green and smart port in his special address. Highlighting the newly unveiled Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy, Chan noted Hong Kong’s commitment to green fuel-bunkering capabilities and its transformation into a cross-boundary e-commerce logistics center.
He stated: “This year’s ALMAC focuses on creating resilient and sustainable global supply chains, and Hong Kong is poised to play a critical role in shaping this future.”
The conference aligns with Hong Kong’s broader strategy to enhance trade and investment ties with ASEAN nations, which collectively accounted for US$144.6 billion in bilateral trade last year. Fu Xuyin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Transport, People’s Republic of China, and ASEAN transport leaders such as Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport, Malaysia, participated to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a superconnector between Asia and the world.
Industry Leaders Tackle Supply Chain Challenges
The conference opened with a session titled “Steering Business Growth: Building an Evolving Supply Chain”, led by Kelvin Leung, former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport. Panelists, including leaders from SEKO Logistics, Henkel, Mondelēz International, and HEINEKEN, discussed the transformative power of supply chain innovation and its critical role in achieving business expansion and sustainability.
A newly introduced session, “Navigating New Trade Lines for Mitigating Disruptions”, explored supply chain diversification. Industry experts like David O. King, Senior Vice President of SEKO Logistics, and Wilson Kwong, CEO of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals, highlighted opportunities in emerging markets across Asia, the Middle East, and North America to strengthen network resilience.
Air Freight Forums Highlight Aviation and Digital Innovation
Hong Kong’s three-runway system at the International Airport, set to launch this month, will significantly boost passenger and cargo capacity, consolidating its role as a global aviation hub. Two air freight forums, “Cargo Aviation Hub of the World” and “Digital Air Cargo and Global Trade Ecosystem”, examined opportunities in premium warehousing and digital transformation. Featured speakers included experts from Cathay Cargo, Ethiopian Cargo, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
Day Two: Focus on Sustainability and Green Energy
Tomorrow’s sessions will spotlight sustainability and net-zero strategies. Forums like “Green Energy Forum: Energy Transition towards Net Zero Emissions” will feature leaders such as Scott Childress, Chief Sustainability Officer at UPS, and Paolo Gallieri, COO of Zhero, sharing insights on integrating sustainability into logistics.
Workshops and Exhibitions Drive Innovation
ALMAC 2024 features over 20 workshops covering ESG initiatives, e-commerce logistics, youth development, halal logistics, and air freight decarbonization. Key exhibitors include Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ocean Network Express, and Hong Kong’s three air cargo terminals. The Logtech Salon showcases cutting-edge technology like AI and cloud solutions for modern supply chains.
Business Matching for Global Opportunities
HKTDC is facilitating business matching sessions, enabling enterprises to connect with shippers and service providers to forge partnerships and seize global opportunities. The event underscores Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a trade gateway and a hub for supply chain innovation.
