HONG KONG's role as a regional shipping hub was a major focus of this year's 4th Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference, which attracted 1,600 business leaders from over 30 countries and regions.
The two-day ALMC, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Government, heard from more than 50 experts on the challenges and opportunities facing the logistics and maritime sectors and is the largest event of its kind in Asia.
Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung spoke about the important role that Hong Kong's shipping industry plays in China's overall development.
"China's 12th Five-Year Plan expressly supports Hong Kong position as an international maritime centre," Mr Leung said."Hong Kong's port remains one of the world's busiest, and the Hong Kong Shipping Register is the world's fourth-largest, its gross tonnage at 91 million.
"Hong Kong companies own or manage nine per cent of the world's merchant fleet in deadweight tonnage. And this city's 700 shipping-related companies offer a flotilla of maritime services, including ship agency and management, broking and chartering, finance, marine insurance, and maritime legal and arbitration services."
Margaret Fong, executive director of the HKTDC, said Hong Kong's efficient and reliable air and sea ports, combined with a strategic location in the heart of East Asia, made the city a key player in regional trade and logistics.
"Supply chains are the lifeblood of Hong Kong; a city that connects East and West, North and South; a city that links global businesses with the vast Chinese mainland market and economies throughout Asia," Ms Fong said.
Patrick Low, vice president of research, Fung Global Institute, chaired the plenary Session entitled "Drivers of Change: Navigating the New Competitive Landscape". The session discussed issues affecting the global logistics, supply-chain management and maritime industries.
It featured such distinguished speakers as Hubert Escaith, chief statistician of the World Trade Organisation, Henry Tan, CEO of Luen Thai Holdings Limited and Karen Reddington, vice president, FedEx Express, South Pacific.
The first day of the ALMC also included a logistics forum entitled "Close-up on China".
LOGISTICS
28 December 2015 - 19:51
Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference discussed Hong Kong future role
HONG KONG's role as a regional shipping hub was a major focus of this year's 4th Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference, which attracted 1,600 business leaders from over 30 countries and regions.
LOGISTICS
28 December 2015 - 19:51
Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference discussed Hong Kong future role
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