15th Asian Logistics Conference to Focus on Supply Chain Diversification and Green Transformation

The 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference will convene on November 17 and 18 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together over 80 speakers and 2,300 participants from more than 40 countries. Under the theme "Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape," the conference aligns with recommendations in the 15th Five-Year Plan and policies from the 2025 Policy Address to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international shipping centre and aviation hub.

Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, emphasized that "Hong Kong's status as an international shipping centre is supported by recommendations in the 15th Five-Year Plan. The HKTDC is committed to promoting the advantages of the city's 'Eight Centres', advancing the development of high-value supply chain services and encouraging businesses to leverage our platforms and events to actively explore global opportunities, particularly in high-potential markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN." The conference will feature senior industry representatives from the Middle East and Central Asia attending in person, further reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a premier global business hub.

This year's discussions will focus on three major industry trends: supply chain diversification and opportunities in emerging markets, sustainability and green energy, and innovation and technology. Distinguished speakers including Gregory Javor from Mattel, Mohit Wadhawan from HP Inc, Samuel Lee from DHL Express Central Asia Hub, Henri Le Gouis from GEODIS, and Brian Bourke from SEKO Logistics will share insights on navigating challenges from geopolitical tensions, global tariff changes, extreme weather, and ongoing supply chain disruptions while meeting demands for sustainability and digital transformation.

A new thematic session titled "Tapping the Middle East: Logistics, Innovation & Trade Potentials" will feature high-profile speakers including Stanislas Brun from Etihad Airways, Christopher Cahill from GEODIS, Ako Djaf from Iron Mountain, Robert P. Frei from DP World Logistics, and Joon Woon Chong from Qatar Free Zones Authority. These experts will discuss significant opportunities in the Middle East's supply chain and logistics sectors, analyzing how the region is reshaping the global trade landscape and outlining practical strategies for businesses to establish footholds in this dynamic market.

Another new session, "Unlocking Central Asia: The Next Trade and Logistics Frontier," will provide in-depth analysis of opportunities in Central Asia's supply chain and logistics sector. Speakers including Dr Ainur Amirbekova from QazTrade Center, Yeraly Autov from Shyngar Trans LLP, Grégory Lecomte from OECD, and Timur Ivanov from PTC Shanghai will examine strategies for navigating complex regulatory environments, infrastructure limitations, and cargo flow issues to help businesses leverage new trade routes and optimize multimodal connectivity across the region.

The conference will also address sustainability initiatives, with a special session titled "Green Energy Forum: Fuels, Freight, and the Road to Net Zero" featuring Essam Al Sheibany from Asyad Group, Dr Tryggvi Thor Herbertsson from Qair Group, James Laybourn from DNV Energy Systems, and Wu Yi from Kunlun Energy Company Limited. This aligns with Policy Address goals of promoting Hong Kong as a green maritime fuel bunkering centre, focusing on developing green methanol, green ammonia, and hydrogen fuels.

Innovation in low-altitude economy will be highlighted through sessions exploring cargo drone technology and air freight innovation. The Low-Altitude Economy Zone will debut at this year's conference, showcasing cutting-edge technologies including drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and urban air mobility from companies participating in Hong Kong's regulatory sandbox pilot projects. This initiative supports the HKSAR Government's focus on expediting development of the low-altitude economy and positioning Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications.

The conference will feature approximately 20 thematic forums and workshops covering air freight, shipping, supply chain management, and logistics. Representatives from leading international brands including Procter & Gamble, HP, and Reckitt will share strategies for integrating innovation across technology, talent, and processes to drive sustainable transformation and achieve long-term business success.

Over 90 exhibitors will participate in dedicated zones for Aviation, Low-altitude Economy, Logtech Salon, Supply Chain Management and Logistics Services, and Maritime and Port Services. First-time exhibitors include SF Express, Greater Bay Airlines, YunExpress, ZIM, and PayCargo, while prominent returning companies include KLN, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited, the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, the Hong Kong Container Terminal Operators Association, and Modern Terminals Limited. Many mainland Chinese exhibitors are participating for the first time, including the Chengdu International Railway Port, Jiangsu Logistics Industry Promotion Association, Fuzhou International Aviation City Administrative Committee, and the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone Authority.

The conference will also host the Hong Kong's NextGen Logistician Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025, recognizing young talents in the logistics industry who have made significant achievements in innovative, high-end, smart, and green logistics. The Under Secretary for Transport of the HKSAR Government, Liu Chun-san, will attend the ceremony, underscoring the government's commitment to developing next-generation logistics talent and supporting the industry's evolution toward more sustainable and technologically advanced operations.