News in English

Top officials to meet in Hong Kong for high-level summit on global trade and rising protectionism

Amid rising trade tensions and increasing protectionist measures leaders of the maritime sector will gather forThe Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit which will take in a month’s time on 18 November 2024.

Convening prominent figures from the international shipping industry, government officials, and regulatory bodies this summit will focus on the urgent issues facing maritime including future fuels, infrastructure, and innovation. The high-level summit will be held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, ahead of the formal opening of Hong Kong Maritime Week 2024 (17 – 23 November 2024) and will be an important moment that will set the tone for the week of events.

In recognition of growing geopolitical tensions and the proliferation of protectionism, the International Chamber of Shipping, in collaboration with the Transport and Logistics Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, will be hosting the summit to discuss and examine whether the rules-based order is unravelling and what can be done to ensure efficient global trade. The summit will focus on the significant challenges facing maritime trade as the world navigates an increasingly unpredictable and disruptive global landscape and bring together leaders from both developed and developing economies.

Key figures announced today include: Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration, HKSAR; Mr Paul Chan, Financial Secretary, HKSAR; Mr Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, HKSAR; Ms Marina Hadjimanolis, Deputy Minister, Shipping, Republic of Cyprus; Mr Jaime J. Bautista, Secretary, Department of Transportation, Republic of the Philippines; Mr Elmer Francisco U. Sarmiento, Under-Secretary, Department of Transportation, Republic of the Philippines; Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (video address); Mr Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of Grimaldi Group and Chair of the International Chamber of Shipping; Ms Johanna Hill, Deputy Director General, World Trade Organization; and Mr Andreas Nordseth, Chair of Consultative Shipping Group.

Their presence underscores the high-level political commitment to tackling the urgent issues facing the global maritime industry, and the strategic importance of this summit in guiding future policy.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr John Lee stated:

“As an international financial, shipping and trade centre and the world’s freest economy, Hong Kong is committed to promoting multilateralism in global trade and fostering co-operation in the maritime industry. The Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit represents a great opportunity for industry leaders and policymakers to collaborate in addressing the complex challenges that lie ahead for maritime and trade.

It is in the common interest of the world to ensure that maritime transport remains resilient and continues to drive global trade in the face of various challenges. Hong Kong is honoured to host such a pivotal event, and we look forward to welcoming maritime and trade leaders from all over the world for shaping a sustainable future for the shipping industry.”

ICS President, Mr Emanuele Grimaldi, remarked

“We are seeing a critical shift which will be very disruptive and will negatively impact global trade. The discussions will be crucial in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of global maritime transport as the industry faces unprecedented levels of disruption. With 90% of global trade reliant on maritime transport, the industry is critical to the prosperity of economies worldwide. We look forward to welcoming ministers and representatives from across the wide world of shipping to come together and build consensus on future maritime policies.”

The Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit, titled‘Risk & Resilience in an Age of Disruption’,

Aims to find innovative and collaborative solutions to safeguard the future of maritime trade, by providing an essential platform for industry leaders, government officials, and policymakers. To register your interest to attend and to find out more on the event please click here.

The Summit’s lead sponsor is ABS (American Bureau of Shipping). For the full list of sponsors and partners, who are making it possible for the high-profile summit to take place, please click here.