The fifth edition of the Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference (ALMC) opened in Hong Kong Tuesday, bringing together global experts in the industry to discuss the new opportunities in the "Belt and Road" initiative, e-commerce and Big Data analytics.
Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the two-day meeting set its theme on China's Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, e-commerce and Big Data analytics.
When delivering her speech at the opening ceremony, Acting Chief Executive Carrie Lam said that logistics and trading represents about 24 percent of Hong Kong's GDP, and over one-fifth of total employment in Hong Kong.
Lam said under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong is part of the second largest economy in the world, and at the same time enjoying high degree of autonomy, with an independent judicial system and own currency which is fully convertible.
Besides, being one of world's freest economy with an enviable natural advantage that enable it to reach all major Asian cities within four hours, all these have enabled Hong Kong's logistics industry to flourish, she said.
Lam noted that the "Belt and Road" initiative will deliver a wealth of opportunities for Hong Kong, as it enjoys good connections with many of the "Belt and Road" economies. Hong Kong could play a significant role as the "super-connector" between the mainland and those economies.
Since the inaugural event in 2011, the ALMC has grown in size and significance. About 1,700 industry players from 32 countries and regions attended last year's event. TDC expected to see more than 2,000 attendees this year.
