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 critical challenges facing global supply chains. Under the theme "Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape," the conference aligns with Hong Kong's strategic positioning as outlined in both the 15th Five-Year Plan and recent Policy Address initiatives aimed at strengthening the city's role as an international shipping and aviation hub.
This year's conference assumes particular importance as companies worldwide grapple with persistent supply chain disruptions stemming from geopolitical tensions, tariff changes, extreme weather events, and mounting pressure for sustainability and digital transformation. The event will focus on three major industry trends: supply chain diversification and opportunities in emerging markets, sustainability and green energy, and innovation and technology. 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" and noted the conference's role in helping businesses "actively explore global opportunities, particularly in high-potential markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN."
A significant development at this year's ALMAC is the introduction of specialized sessions examining market potential in the Middle East and Central Asia. The session "Tapping the Middle East: Logistics, Innovation & Trade Potentials" will feature senior executives from major companies including Etihad Airways, GEODIS, Iron Mountain, DP World Logistics, and Qatar Free Zones Authority. These industry leaders will analyze how the Middle East is reshaping global trade dynamics and provide practical strategies for establishing footholds in this rapidly evolving region. Similarly, the "Unlocking Central Asia: The Next Trade and Logistics Frontier" session will examine strategies for navigating complex regulatory environments and infrastructure limitations while leveraging new trade routes across Eurasia.
Sustainability initiatives take center stage on the conference's second day with the "Green Energy Forum: Fuels, Freight, and the Road to Net Zero" session. This aligns with Hong Kong's policy goal of becoming a green maritime fuel bunkering center, focusing on developing green methanol, green ammonia, and hydrogen fuels. Speakers from Asyad Group, Qair Group, DNV Energy Systems, and Kunlun Energy Company Limited will explore pathways toward achieving a more sustainable low-carbon future for the logistics industry.
Technological innovation represents another critical focus area, particularly regarding Hong Kong's development as an Asia-Pacific hub for low-altitude applications. The session "The Engine of Low-altitude Economy: How Cargo Drones are Revolutionising the Future of Air Logistics" will examine breakthroughs in unmanned cargo transport, next-generation drone designs, automation technologies, and AI-powered logistics systems. The debut Low-Altitude Economy Zone will showcase companies participating in Hong Kong's regulatory sandbox pilot projects, featuring drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and urban air mobility technologies.
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. The exhibition area will host over 90 exhibitors across dedicated zones for aviation, low-altitude economy, logistics technology, supply chain management, and maritime services. First-time exhibitors include SF Express, Greater Bay Airlines, YunExpress, ZIM, and PayCargo, while mainland Chinese participants include the Chengdu International Railway Port and Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone Authority.
Business matching sessions, which facilitated over 330 meetings last year, will continue in 2025, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a "superconnector" and "super value-adder" in global trade. The conference will also host the Hong Kong's NextGen Logistician Awards Presentation Ceremony, recognizing young talents demonstrating achievement and potential in innovative, high-end, smart, and green logistics. The event underscores Hong Kong's ongoing evolution as a premier global business hub while addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the rapidly changing global trade landscape.
