Leaders and change-makers from the shipping, aviation, logistics and supply chain sectors convened in Hong Kong earlier this week to chart the way forward in an unpredictable and fast-changing trading environment.

The two-day Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), brought together more than 2,300 industry professionals from over 40 countries and regions to share insights and learnings, forge deals and partnerships, and showcase product and service innovation.

More than 80 experts evaluated trends and opportunities via keynotes, panel discussions, roundtables and workshops. Key topics included supply chain diversification, emerging markets, green energy, AI and much more.

ALMAC’s opening panel, ‘Steering Business Growth in a New Era of Global Trade’, explored different strategies to navigate supply chain disruptions, while catering to growing demands for sustainability and digital upgrades.

Many companies, especially US firms and foreign companies operating in the US, are taking advantage of the current climate to redesign their supply chains, observed Brian Bourke, Global Chief Commercial Officer at SEKO Logistics. “Now is the time to make bold moves,” he recommended.

Every crisis generates new ideas and practical solutions, pointed out Henri Le Gouis, EVP of Global Freight Forwarding for logistics company GEODIS. Preparation is vital. “You need to have back-up plans and contingency plans to make your supply chain more robust,” he stressed.

Tariffs are creating different solutions for customers, while investment in technology and AI is a must, highlighted Gregory Javor, SVP of Global Supply Chain Operations for toymaker Mattel. Diversifying suppliers and markets is also key. “You’ve got to balance cost efficiency with resilience.”

Other sessions investigated a variety of topics, including the low-altitude economy, the potential of the Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets, green transformation and more.

Suppliers and logistics companies reviewed strategies to reduce carbon footprints in a dedicated ‘Green Energy Forum: Fuels, Freight, and the Road to Net Zero’.

Shipping companies operating different routes and running older and newer vessels now have multiple fuel options to consider, from traditional sources to newer alternatives, for example.

“We need to see where the priorities are and how exactly to tackle this energy transition,” remarked James Laybourn, Regional Segment Director, APAC for consultancy firm DNV Energy Systems.

Stakeholder collaboration

This year’s ALMAC, themed ‘Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape’, also facilitated some 400 business matching meetings, while hosting 11 MoUs.

The HKTDC and Greater Bay Airlines signed an MoU to deepen collaboration and work together to further Hong Kong’s position as a world-class destination for global trade and tourism.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee also announced new partner port relationships between Hong Kong and Guangxi and Dalian in the Chinese Mainland, and with Port San Antonio in Chile, as part of a special address delivered at ALMAC.

“These ports are of strategic importance, and true to our character and policy priorities,” Mr Lee said. “As an international maritime centre, we connect the Chinese Mainland with the world and seek partners who support an open, international trade order.”

This year’s ALMAC featured exhibition zones dedicated to aviation, the low-altitude economy, technology, supply chain management and logistics services, and maritime and port services. More than 90 exhibitors participated, presenting the latest logistics and supply chain solutions.

The conference also hosted Hong Kong’s NextGen Logistician Award Presentation Ceremony 2025 to celebrate young talent.

Sky Sin of Hongkong International Terminals, Jeffrey Leung of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals and Esmond Cheung of Aerovision Technology received a Young Professional Award.

Adrian Chan of Hong Kong YunExpress Logistics and Karen Lai of Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong received a Young Executive Award.