Hong Kong Hosts 15th Asian Logistics Conference to Navigate New Trade Landscape

The 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) will convene on November 17-18 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together over 2,300 participants from more than 40 countries to address evolving global trade dynamics. Co-organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this year's conference aligns with national and local policies aimed at strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international shipping and aviation hub.

Under the theme "Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape," ALMAC will feature more than 80 distinguished speakers addressing three critical industry trends: supply chain diversification in emerging markets, sustainability and green energy initiatives, and technological innovation. The conference comes at a pivotal time as companies worldwide grapple with geopolitical tensions, tariff changes, extreme weather events, and ongoing supply chain disruptions while simultaneously pursuing digital transformation and sustainability goals.

Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized Hong Kong's strategic role, noting 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." The conference will feature senior industry representatives from the Middle East and Central Asia, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a premier global business hub.

A new thematic session titled "Tapping the Middle East: Logistics, Innovation & Trade Potentials" will feature prominent speakers including Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer of Etihad Airways, and Christopher Cahill, Managing Director of the Middle East and India Sub-continent at GEODIS. These experts will analyze how the Middle East is reshaping global trade and provide practical strategies for businesses seeking to establish footholds in this dynamic region. Similarly, the "Unlocking Central Asia: The Next Trade and Logistics Frontier" session will examine opportunities in Central Asia's supply chain sector, with speakers including Dr Ainur Amirbekova from QazTrade Center for Trade Policy Development.

Sustainability takes center stage with a special "Green Energy Forum: Fuels, Freight, and the Road to Net Zero" session aligning with Hong Kong's policy goal of becoming a green maritime fuel bunkering center. Distinguished speakers including Essam Al Sheibany, Vice President of Sustainability at Asyad Group, and Dr Tryggvi Thor Herbertsson, Head of Hydrogen Strategy at Qair Group, will explore pathways to achieving low-carbon futures through green methanol, green ammonia, and hydrogen fuels.

Technological innovation features prominently with sessions on drone technology and air freight innovation. The "Engine of Low-altitude Economy: How Cargo Drones are Revolutionising the Future of Air Logistics" session will explore breakthroughs in unmanned cargo transport, while the debut Low-Altitude Economy Zone will showcase cutting-edge technologies from companies participating in Hong Kong's regulatory sandbox pilot projects. This initiative supports the HKSAR Government's focus on developing Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications.

The conference will host 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. The exhibition area will feature over 90 exhibitors across dedicated zones including Aviation, Low-altitude Economy, and Logtech Salon, with first-time participants including SF Express, Greater Bay Airlines, and YunExpress. The Logtech Salon will showcase AI, big data, and cloud technologies applicable to the logistics industry.

Business matching sessions, which generated over 330 successful meetings last year, will continue in 2025, facilitating connections between shippers and service providers. The conference will also host the Hong Kong's NextGen Logistician Awards Presentation Ceremony, recognizing young talents who have demonstrated significant achievements in innovative, high-end, smart, and green logistics. The event underscores Hong Kong's ongoing commitment to developing future industry leaders while reinforcing its role as a global "superconnector" and "super value-adder" in the evolving international trade landscape.