Geopolitical and trade challenges addressedat Hong Kong Maritime Week summit

‘Building Resilience, Driving Growth and Investment’ was the theme of the second Global Maritime Trade Summit held on the opening day of this year’s Hong Kong Maritime Week in late November. The summit was co-hosted by the Transport and Logistics Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong SAR, the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA), and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).

Commenting at the opening of the summit, The Hon. Paul Chan Mo-po (pictured), Financial Secretary, Hong Kong SAR, said: “The maritime industry is at a pivotal moment. The forces shaping our future – geopolitical uncertainty, climate imperatives, and technological disruption – are formidable. But so too are the opportunities. Ports and economies that can lead through agility, innovation, and cooperation will not only weather today’s challenges—they will shape tomorrow’s trade.”

Angad Banga, Chairman of the HKSOA; and COO of Caravel Group, said: “Whether confronting piracy, navigating environmental regulations, or ensuring seafarer welfare during a pandemic, our industry has proven that we are stronger together. Today’s tensions demand the same degree of partnership. We can either retreat into economic nationalism and watch global trade fragment, or we can advocate through these forums for a different path — one of enhanced cooperation, innovative partnerships, and collective resilience.”

Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the ICS said: “Tariffs and trade measures are increasingly used as strategic tools, and new regional alliances are emerging as governments and industries seek stability and advantage. Against this backdrop, the shipping industry once again finds itself at the centre of global change. Our role is not only to adapt but to lead. To connect, to innovate, and to drive growth in a way that benefits nations and people alike.”

The event was attended by senior leadership from the Hong Kong SAR Government and local business community along with international policymakers and maritime CEOs and leaders.

The Hon. Mable Chan JP, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Hong Kong SAR, led the closing remarks at the Summit, saying: “In an era of volatility, isolation or unilateralism is certainly not the solution. It must be forged through partnership. The government’s role is not to direct, but to enable - to build the foundational backbone that allows the private sector to innovate, invest and thrive.”

The previous day, ICS had also convened a high level, closed door ministerial event to encourage partnerships and new initiatives which increase supply chain resilience. The meeting was opened by The Honourable Michael Wong Wai-lun GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary, Hong Kong SAR and moderated by global trade experts from the London School of Economics, the Financial Times, S&P Global Market Intelligence, and HSBC.

With shifting geopolitical alliances reshaping trade flows, this ministerial meeting covered the implications for national economies and private sector investment priorities and how governments and business can collaborate to build resilient partnerships to de-risk trade and unlock sustainable, long-term growth.

The Summit was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the Closed Door Ministerial was hosted at The Conrad Hotel, Hong Kong.