Boosting Intra-Asian Trade - A Panel Discussion

According to the International Monetary Fund, Intra-Asian trade will constitute approximately 40% of global trade by 2030.

As Southeast Asia emerges as a prominent manufacturing hub, this has created opportunities for the ports and logistics sectors. Yet, McKinsey & Company analysis suggests there is a gap of around US$60 billion between existing or announced infrastructure investment and what could be needed to meet future trade flows. Peter Vin, Vice President – Ocean Freight at Dimerco Express Group (a global shipping and logistics company), warns that without rapid improvements in vessel capacity and port infrastructure, the region is heading toward a major stress test in Intra-Asia logistics.

With this in mind, the session will explore how supply chain stakeholders, from carriers to logistics service providers, shippers and port authorities, can boost intra-Asian trade: What’s needed for this in terms of infrastructure development, hinterland connectivity, efficiency of logistics services, access to data, market demands and regional integration?

KEY TALKING POINTS:

• How can existing trading blocs create new opportunities to foster intra-Asian trade? What role do governments and trade agreements play in this?
• How can shippers make sense of freight rate volatility and shifting trade patterns in the region?
• How are carriers and logistics service providers expanding their intra-Asian operations to support increasing demand within the region?
• Are Asia’s ports equipped to handle intra-Asia growth? What are the infrastructure requirements?
• How can seamless access to data make intra-Asian trade more efficient?
• How can multimodal connectivity unlock efficiency across the region?