With a lengthy history as a global trading port, Hong Kong this week hosted the 6th edition of Hong Kong Maritime Week. The week's flagship event was the 12th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which came to a close today. This signature two-day event for the maritime, air freight, logistics and supply chain management sectors and shippers from diverse manufacturing industries drew more than 90 industry experts and leaders sharing insights at over 30 sessions. ALMAC this year attracted more than 14,000 online and physical participants from over 50 countries and regions.Themed "The Future of the Sustainable Supply Chain: Connectivity, Collaboration, Innovation", the hybrid-format conference attracted industry players from around the world who expanded business connections and explored partnership opportunities both face-to-face and virtually. Satellite conference venues across Mainland China, the wider Asian region, Australia and Europe also hosted physical events. In addition to relaying the conference from Hong Kong, some satellite venues invited experts to address logistics issues and share their experiences as well as join face-to-face exchanges and business matching activities.
Collaboration on supply chain integration to create opportunities
In the first Power Dialogue session, industry leaders discussed how Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) economies create opportunities by integrating regional trade and supply chains, and discussed strategic plans to capture opportunities. Daryl Tay, President, North Asia District of UPS Parcel Delivery Service, said RCEP opened huge opportunities in Asia. Regional collaboration was the key, so it was important to help SMEs understand the agreements and capitalise on RCEP opportunities.
GBA, decarbonisation and sustainable development
Connectivity is a major component of cooperation among the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities. The two maritime forums on day one brought together experts from maritime and technology sectors to examine Hong Kong's unique role as an international maritime hub. Speakers discussed shipping sustainability, decarbonisation and digitalisation through practical collaborative action and uncovered potential opportunities and benefits switching to sustainable and digitalised shipping. Simon Bennett, Deputy Secretary General of International Chamber of Shipping, said moves towards sustainable supply chains through measures, such as greener fuels, played a key role in supply chain optimisation. Limited time meant it was important that economic measures be developed at a global level because, despite positive progress, investors needed a prompt signal, while fuel producers and shipowners should have incentives to invest in new fuel uptake.
Exhibitors showcase logistics solutions
Complementing the conference, an exhibition featured more than 50 stalls showcasing supply chain solutions and innovative logistics technologies to help SMEs enhance supply chain management. The HKTDC organised business matching meetings for participants and exhibitors to facilitate collaboration.
Hong Kong Maritime Week flagship event
ALMAC is the flagship event of Hong Kong Maritime Week, organised by the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board.
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