HONG KONG SAR – amfori, a global leader in sustainable trade, successfully concluded its flagship event, the “amfori Asia Sustainability Summit 2024,” at Hotel ICON in Hong Kong SAR, China. The summit gathered over a hundred stakeholders from Asia and Europe, including policymakers, business leaders, and sustainability advocates, to explore Asia’s pivotal role in global trade resilience and sustainability.
Under the theme “Shaping Responsible Supply Chains for a Sustainable Future,” the summit facilitated in-depth discussions on sustainable practices, regulatory compliance, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) challenges within Asian supply chains. A notable focus was the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), with attendees examining regulatory impacts and alignment across continents.
Opening the event, amfori President Linda Kromjong praised Asia’s role as a “driving force” for sustainable practices within global supply chains. Keynote speaker Panudda Boonpala, Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the ILO, stressed the importance of building resilient supply chains to support workers’ rights, economic stability, and growth in Asia.
The summit featured sessions on ESG strategies, including migrant workers’ rights, gender equality, and responsible purchasing practices. The event also held a closed-door legislative roundtable to discuss regulatory alignment between the EU and Asia. Ambassador Harvey Rouse, Head of the EU Office for Hong Kong and Macao, highlighted Europe’s commitment to sustainable trade through legislative initiatives like the CSDDD.
In closing, Kromjong reaffirmed Asia’s potential to drive sustainable trade practices, emphasizing collective action to create positive change across industries.
