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Setting the Stage: Highlights from the Opening Ceremony of the 12th GLA Global Logistics Conference

Time:2025-05-27 Publisher:Kevin Num:128

On May 16, 2025, the grand Opening Ceremony of the 12th GLA Global Logistics Conference took place at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Dubai, marking the start of one of the largest and most diverse logistics conferences globally. Hosted by the Global Logistics Enterprises Federation (GLEF) and the GLA Global Logistics Alliance, the event brought together nearly 2,000 logistics professionals, business leaders, high-level government officials, senior executives, and trade and logistics association leaders and experts from over 130 countries and regions. 

This global gathering of professionals reflected the international influence of the conference and highlighted its role as a catalyst for global networking, strategic collaboration, and cross-border growth.

Group Photo of 12th GLA Global Logistics Conference - Opening Ceremony

As the logistics industry continues to face complex global challenges such as tariff issues and trade barriers, the conference theme, "Peaceful Prosperity · Digital Innovation · Trustworthy Cooperation," encapsulated the need for a collaborative global effort. The aim is to provide a platform for multinational cooperation, enabling the logistics sector to confront challenges head-on and unlock business growth opportunities.

Ms. Grace Sun, President of GLA Global Logistics Alliance, with Distinguished Guests

The core agenda of the conference spanned from May 15 to May 18, with key highlights including the Opening Ceremony, Global Supply Chain CEO Forum, 100,000 One-on-One Business Meetings, Insightful Panel Discussions, and leisure activities such as Cocktail Reception, GLA Gala Dinner, and sports activities, offering attendees a perfect blend of business networking, knowledge sharing, and cultural exploration in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Among them, the 1st Global Supply Chain CEO Forum and the GLA Panel Discussions focused on how to tackle current global challenges and achieve sustainable development, providing diverse insights for the logistics industry.

Over four days, more than 100,000 One-on-One business meetings were facilitated. These sessions not only enabled face-to-face deal-making but also allowed participants to build meaningful partnerships and explore real-time business opportunities. The event also hosted 200 exhibition booths, offering logistics and supply chain companies a vibrant platform to showcase services, launch solutions, and connect with global clients and potential partners.

Ms. Grace Sun, President of GLA Global Logistics Alliance, with Distinguished Guests

The opening ceremony of the conference was attended by government officials, trade association leaders, and renowned think-tank experts, marking a significant moment in the global logistics sector. Key attendees included H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman, Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah and Member of the UAE Royal Family; H.E. Mr. Juma Al Kait, Chief Trade Negotiator and Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs, UAE Ministry of Economy; Mr. Kassem Tofailli, Chairperson, Arab-Chinese Cooperation and Development Association; H.E. Mr. Arzybek Orozbekovich Kozhoshev, Minister for Energy and Infrastructure, Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC); H.E. Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan; Mr. Orozbekov Alymbek, Head of Secretary, Minister for Energy and Infrastructure, Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC); Mr. Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive Director and Private Advisor, Office of His Highness Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; Mr. Mohannad Alatyat, Director, Consumer Protection and Import-Export Department, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Ms. Nadia Abdul Aziz, President, National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL); Mr. Shen Zhuangzhuang, Assistant Representative, Representative Office in the Gulf Area, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade; Mr. Maktoum Al Marzouqi, CEO, Al Marzooqi Group of Companies; Mr. Walid Farghal, Director General, AIM Congress; Mr. Chyngyz Sherniiazov, Head, China-Eurasian Business Council (CEBC); Mr. Ayman Al Wadi, Group Executive Chairman, Al Wadi Holding DMCC; Mr. Atif Siddiqui, Group Commercial Head, CTI Shipping Services LLC; Ms. Jane Zhang, Managing Director, League Shipping; Mr. Han Wen, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Windrose Technology; Mr. Ismail lbrahim Haidar, Secretary of the Dubai Government Media Commission; Mr. Ibrahim Alhmoud, CEO, Elite Freight Forwarding and Logistics; Mr. Vinet K Chadha, CEO, Combined Logistics Solutions; Mr. Aydin Caliskan, Managing Director, Form Global Logistics; Mr. Bruce Gong, President, ASB Logistics Co. Ltd.; Mr. Ouyang Hong, Deputy President, Chinese News Agency, Caenews.cn, and Ms. Grace Sun, President, GLA Global Logistics Alliance. 

Ms. Grace Sun, President, GLA Global Logistics Alliance with H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman, Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah; Member of UAE Royal Family

Ms. Nadia Abdul Aziz, President, National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL); Ms. Grace Sun, President, GLA Global Logistics Alliance;  Mr. Ahmad Abdul Razeq, Vice President, National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL)

The conference was attended by distinguished logistics entrepreneurs from over 130 countries and regions, including the Netherlands, the United States, India, Peru, Germany, the UAE, Kenya, Kuwait, the UK, Australia, Kyrgyzstan, Canada, Pakistan, the Philippines, Spain, Japan, Egypt, Türkiye, Romania, Portugal, Argentina, Qatar, Singapore, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Oman, Vietnam, Mozambique, Lebanon, Armenia, Morocco, Brazil, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Poland, Slovenia, France, Jordan, Bolivia, Myanmar, Serbia, Italy, Indonesia, Sweden, Malaysia, Tunisia, Thailand, Djibouti, Bahrain, the Czech Republic, South Korea, Nepal, Georgia, Finland, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Brunei, Azerbaijan, Norway, Denmark, Ethiopia, Cambodia, New Zealand, Latvia, Greece, Belgium, China and more.

Group photo of 12th GLA Global Logistics Enterprises Conference - Opening Ceremony

The event garnered significant international media attention, with leading media outlets in attendance including The Guardian (UK), Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, Saudi Daily, Arab News Network, Arab Industry Network, Arab World News, Arab Headlines, China-Arab TV, Wired (USA), Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, Shenzhen Business Daily, Shenzhen Evening News, Jingbao, Economic Observer UAE Bureau, People’s Daily Europe, China.com, Phoenix News, Qianlong Network, UAE Tour, Economic Network, China-Foreign Economic News, Southern Enterprise News Network, Sohu, Sina, China Enterprise Network, Arab Daily Technology and more. Their presence underscored the global relevance of the occasion and the strong interest from both regional and international media.

Ms. Grace Sun, President, GLA Global Logistics Alliance, Speaking with Media

On the morning of May 16th, nearly 2,000 industry leaders, government officials, business association representatives, and think tank experts from more than 130 countries and regions gathered at the main venue. As the lights illuminated and the countdown on the giant screen reached zero, the 12th GLA Global Logistics Conference officially commenced, marking the start of a landmark event in the global logistics sector.

Opening Ceremony of 12th GLA Global Logistics Conference

The opening ceremony of the conference commenced with a keynote speech from Ms. Grace Sun, Founder and President of the GLA Global Logistics Alliance and Executive President of the GLEF, who warmly welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude for the strong global participation. In her speech, she stated: "GLA remains steadfast in its mission to connect global logistics partners, promote collaborative development, and build a secure, efficient, and sustainable global trade network, making the world more connected and prosperous through logistics." 

Ms. Grace Sun, President, GLA Global Logistics Alliance Delivering Speech

Reflecting on the past year, she acknowledged the complex global economic landscape and the increasing uncertainties in trade policies, which posed many challenges to cross-border logistics. Yet, she affirmed—growing against the odds and seizing opportunities are at the heart of every enterprise.

In her address, she also recognized the exceptional achievement of GLA Member CTI Shipping Services LLC from the UAE, which conducted around 700 One-on-One meetings during the previous Dubai Conference, setting a high benchmark. She encouraged all attendees to follow this example and take full advantage of the extensive business opportunities available.

Ms. Grace Sun emphasized that technology is reshaping the logistics sector, with AI, blockchain, and other innovations creating new opportunities. She called for a balanced approach between technological innovation and risk management, encouraging the industry to ride the wave of digital transformation for sustainable growth. Behind every successful partnership, every efficient supply chain, and every thriving business lies a common foundation—trust, she emphasized.

Ms. Grace Sun, President, GLA Global Logistics Alliance Delivering Speech

She concluded by expressing her hopes for attendees to immerse themselves in Dubai’s unique charm, seize opportunities, foster meaningful partnerships, and work together toward a future of peace and prosperity.

H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah and Member of the UAE Royal Family, delivered the first VIP address. He welcomed delegates to Dubai and commended GLA for choosing the city as this year’s host venue, highlighting Dubai’s reputation as a vital global logistics hub. He emphasized the relevance of this year’s theme, "Peaceful Prosperity · Digital Innovation · Trustworthy Cooperation," aligning it with Dubai’s strategic vision. He pointed to the city’s unique geographic position at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, and its world-class infrastructure that supports a thriving, innovation-driven business ecosystem, saying, "Dubai remains committed to harnessing industry’s innovation to support steady economic growth worldwide."

H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi also spotlighted Dubai’s leadership in digital transformation, citing advancements in smart warehousing, autonomous transport, blockchain traceability, and big data analytics. He reaffirmed the UAE’s strong commitment to building secure, trustworthy logistics connections through robust regulatory frameworks and international cooperation, stating "Trustworthy connection is the lifeline of logistics in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai." Noting the close relationship between the UAE and China, he described GLA’s decision to hold the event in Dubai as a "fruitful step" toward deeper collaboration. He concluded by encouraging participants to champion openness, innovation, and joint progress to drive a brighter future for global logistics, saying, "Together with our global logistics partners, we will drive forward peace and prosperity, digital innovation, and secure connectivity."

H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman, Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah; Member, UAE Royal Family

H.E. Juma Al Kait, Chief Trade Negotiator and Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Economy, also delivered a significant address. He commended GLA for its pivotal role in advancing global logistics cooperation, fostering digital innovation, and championing sustainable development. He characterized the conference as a vital indicator of emerging global trade dynamics.

H.E. Juma Al Kait, Chief Trade Negotiator and Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs at UAE Ministry of Economy

Amidst the current complexities and challenges facing international trade and logistics, he emphasized two strategic priorities for the industry: first, enhancing technological integration by accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain to address efficiency constraints; and second, embracing a green development model by embedding sustainability throughout the logistics value chain to achieve a harmonious balance between environmental stewardship and economic growth.

H.E. Juma Al Kait further mentioned that the international platform established by GLA serves as an essential conduit for realizing these goals and expressed his hope that stakeholders would leverage the conference to collectively shape a new chapter in the high-quality development of global logistics.

Mr. Kassem Tofailli, Chairman of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation and Development Association, described logistics as the "lifeline" that shapes economic structures and connects nations. Despite the historic peak in global trade volumes, he shared insights on serious challenges such as geopolitical tensions, climate crises, and technological gaps. He proposed building a shared future based on four pillars: peace and prosperity, digital transformation, cultural connectivity, and green logistics. He called on governments and enterprises to take concrete action against protectionism and jointly build an open, resilient, and inclusive global supply chain.

Mr. Kassem Tofailli, Chairman of Arab-Chinese Cooperation and Development Association

H.E. Arzybek Orozbekovich Kozhoshev, Minister for Energy and Infrastructure of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), underscored the importance of logistics in enhancing regional economic integration. He mentioned that supply chain resilience, digitalization, and infrastructure connectivity are now core drivers of economic growth. Further, he said the conference provides an exceptional platform to form new partnerships and reach consensus on the logistics vision of the future. He reiterated the Commission's readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue, practical cooperation, and experience sharing with all parties.

H.E. Arzybek Orozbekovich Kozhoshev, EEC Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, emphasized that enhancing logistics cooperation with Dubai and the international community is a key development goal for Pakistan. Positioned at the intersection of South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, Pakistan is actively advancing sustainable logistics with a focus on eco-friendly solutions and green warehousing. He specifically highlighted that Pakistan looks forward to establishing close cooperation mechanisms with GLA members, strengthening global supply chains and logistics infrastructure, and building efficient and interconnected logistics corridors through initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to UAE

Further, the inauguration of the GLA Foundation—a significant humanitarian initiative—was held with great ceremony. The Foundation was officially launched by Ms. Grace Sun, President of the GLA Global Logistics Alliance, together with H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman, Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE Royal Family; H.E. Mr. Juma Al Kait, Chief Trade Negotiator and Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs, UAE Ministry of Economy; Mr. Kassem Tofailli, Chairperson, Arab-Chinese Cooperation and Development Association; H.E. Mr. Arzybek Orozbekovich Kozhoshev, Minister for Energy and Infrastructure, Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC); H.E. Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan; Mr. Orozbekov Alymbek, Head of Secretary, Minister for Energy and Infrastructure, Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC); Mr. Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive Director and Private Advisor, Office of His Highness Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; Mr. Mohannad Alatyat, Director, Consumer Protection and Import-Export Department, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Ms. Nadia Abdul Aziz, President, National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL); Mr. Chyngyz Sherniiazov, Head, China-Eurasian Business Council (CEBC); Mr. Ayman Al Wadi, Group Executive Chairman, Al Wadi Holding DMCC; Mr. Ibrahim Alhmoud, CEO, Elite Freight Forwarding and Logistics; Mr. Vinet K Chadha, CEO, Combined Logistics Solutions; Mr. Bruce, President, ASB Logistics Co. Ltd.; Mr. Ouyang Hong, Deputy President, Chinese News Agency, Caenews.cn; Mr. Aydin Caliskan, Managing Director, Form Global Logistics; and a wide range of esteemed global dignitaries.

GLA Foundation Launching Ceremony

As the ceremony commenced, all dignitaries gathered onstage to jointly activate the device. When the screen lit up, it symbolized the official beginning of the GLA Foundation’s philanthropic mission. The Foundation’s first charity destination will be Vietnam, with plans to expand its reach to additional underprivileged regions.

GLA Foundation Launching Ceremony

The GLA Foundation embodies the organization’s enduring commitment to global social responsibility. Its mission is to bring hope, education, and improved living conditions to children in impoverished areas, lighting a path of compassion in parallel with the advancement of the global logistics industry.

GLA firmly upholds the values of diversity, collaboration, and coordinated development. In this spirit, the conference served as a prominent global platform for formalizing several key strategic cooperation agreements. During the opening ceremony, the GLA held a Global Strategic Advisory Council Board awarding ceremony, where Mr. Kassem Tofailli, Chairperson, Arab-Chinese Cooperation and Development Association was appointed as an Honorary Advisor, while Mr. Chyngyz Sherniiazov, Head of China-Eurasian Business Council (CEBC) and Mr. Vinet K Chadha, CEO of Combined Logistics Solutions, were appointed as Senior Advisors. 

Global Strategic Advisory Board awarding ceremony with Mr. Arzybek Orozbekovich Kozhoshev, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure for the Eurasian Economic Commission; H.E. Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive Director and Private Advisor, Office of His Highness Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; Ms. Grace Sun, President of  GLA Global Logistics Alliance; Mr. Vinet K Chadha, CEO of Combined Logistics Solutions India; Mr. Kassem Tofailli, Chairperson, Arab-Chinese Cooperation and Development Association; Mr. Chyngyz Sherniiazov, Head of China-Eurasian Business Council (CEBC)

Additionally, GLA signed strategic partnership agreements with the Arab-Chinese Cooperation and Development Association and the China-Eurasian Business Council. Mr. Kassem Tofailli, Chairperson of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation and Development Association, and Mr. Chyngyz Sherniiazov (Max), Head of the China-Eurasian Business Council (CEBC), took part in the signing as key representatives. Their active involvement highlights the global significance of the agreement and reflects a shared vision for advancing international logistics cooperation.

Strategic Partnership Agreements Signing with Mr. Kassem Tofailli, Chairperson, Arab-Chinese Cooperation and Development Association (R1); Mr. Chyngyz Sherniiazov, Head of China-Eurasian Business Council (R2)

Global partnership agreements were also signed with business representatives from four continents, including Mr. Manuj Adlakha, Cargo People Logistics and Shipping PVT LTD; Mr. Annkurr Srivastav, Ski Global Shipping L.L.C; Mr. Aydin Caliskan, Managing Director, Form Global Logistics; and Mr. Ruben Mulder, TGS Logistics. These milestones represent GLA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international cooperation and generating new opportunities for collective advancement in the logistics sector.

Global Partnership Agreements Signing Ceremony 

During the opening ceremony, several high-level panel discussions were facilitated, bringing together global entrepreneurs, association leaders, government officials, and think tank experts. Under the theme "Peaceful Prosperity · Digital Innovation · Trustworthy Cooperation," these panels engaged in in-depth dialogues on critical topics such as trade dynamics, technological disruption, collaborative development, green logistics, and digital innovation. Esteemed panelists included: Mr. Faisal Poonthala, CEO of KAAF Logistics Company Limited; Mr. Aydin Caliskan, Managing Director, Form Global Logistics; Mr. Kemal H. Balihodžić, Executive VP of JoyRide Logistics LLC; Mr. Ruben Mulder, Managing Director of TGS Logistics; Mr. Vinet K Chadha, CEO of Combined Logistics India; Ms. Ana Maria, CEO of All Trans Cargo Group; Mr. Rachid Tahri, President of STCMA – Service Transport Combine Marocco; Mr. Chyngyz Sherniiazov, Head of China-Eurasian Business Council; Mr. Ayman Al Wadi, Group Executive Chairman of AL Wadi Holding DMCC; and Ms. Nadia Abdul Aziz, President of National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL).

GLA Panel Discussions

The discussions concluded with a strong call for establishing a multilateral cooperation network to build sustainable logistics ecosystems capable of adapting to future global challenges.

GLA Panel Discussions

GLA also took the opportunity to unveil GLA’s groundbreaking innovations, introduced by Mr. Jephte Maba, Head of GLA's Product Department. Among the most anticipated announcements were the improved and revamped GLA website, which was enhanced with smart, user-friendly features and improved user experience to streamline digital logistics operations. Also, GLA App Version Update 2.0 was launched during the event, which is designed to improve GLA conference management through a seamless and intuitive mobile interface. In addition, GLA unveiled the world’s lowest cargo insurance service starting with 0.01% of the cargo value, along with a newly developed real-time GLA cargo tracking system that supports both air and sea freight. 

Mr. Jephte Maba, Head of GLA's Product Department, Introducing New Products

Further, GLA officially launched the Global Brand Digitization and Marketing Program, leveraging a comprehensive, multilingual digital media matrix. This includes social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as the GLA official website and external digital media outlets. Over a 6-month campaign cycle, the program will deliver strategic brand promotion services for member companies, aiming to achieve tens of millions of impressions. The initiative is designed to significantly enhance the global visibility, market competitiveness, and international business expansion of GLA member enterprises.

During the conference, GLA invited several prominent industry leaders to deliver keynote speeches, including Ms. Jane Zhang, Managing Director of League Shipping; Mr. Atif Siddiqui, Group Commercial Head of CTI Shipping Services LLC; and Mr. Han Wen, CEO of Windrose Technology. These distinguished speakers shared valuable insights on topics such as shipping services, regional logistics opportunities, and technological innovation, emphasizing diverse strategies and the unique strengths of their respective markets. 

Ms. Jane Zhang, Managing Director of League Shipping; Mr. Atif Siddiqui, Group Commercial Head of CTI Shipping Services LLC; and Mr. Han Wen, CEO of Windrose Technology, Delivering Speeches

On the afternoon of May 16, the One-on-One business matching sessions of this year's GLA Dubai Conference commenced as scheduled. As a core agenda item of the event, these sessions continued until the afternoon of May 18. Nearly 2,000 entrepreneur representatives from over 130 countries and regions gathered to conduct precise business matchmaking and discuss collaborations. Over the course of 2.5 days, the conference is expected to have facilitated over 100,000 One-on-One business meetings, witnessing the formation of a significant number of cooperative agreements.

One-on-One Meetings

Sponsors played a pivotal role in the success of the 12th GLA Global Logistics Conference by sponsoring the GLA conference activities. Sincere thanks go to our esteemed sponsors, including Cross Freight Internationale Speditionsges. mbH, KAAF Logistics Company Limited, Hawia Shipping Services LLC, VHL Logistics SDN BHD, Easyways Freight Forwarders Private Limited, WWW Cargo PTE LTD, Reibel Air and Ocean Freight, Dubai Business Events, AJS Logistics (India), League Shipping, CTI Shipping Services LLC, Sinotech Logistics Co. Ltd., APPL Containers Pvt Ltd., ASB Supply Chain CO., LTD., AMS Evergreen Shipping LLC, Ecosphere Global Logistics LLC, Rawza Logistics Solutions FZE, Mega Speed Cargo Services LLC, Form Global Lojistik, 3 Seas Logistics and Consultancy Ltd, and ILS International Logistics Service—whose support underscored the spirit of global collaboration and shared progress in the logistics industry.

As the curtains draw on the 12th GLA Global Logistics Conference, we extend heartfelt gratitude to every participant, partner, speaker, and sponsor who contributed to this global success. This milestone event not only demonstrated the strength and vision of the GLA community but also reaffirmed its central role in shaping the future of global logistics through innovation, cohesion, and collaboration.

Thailand 2025: Gear Up to Connect, Compete and Collaborate

As we wrap up in Dubai, we invite you to mark your calendars for the 13th GLA Global Logistics Conference, happening from Nov 7 to 10, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. Don’t miss the next opportunity to connect, compete, and collaborate with the global logistics community. Register today at: https://conference.glafamily.com/the-13th-gla-global-logistics-conference/

GLA currently has a global network of 7,000 member enterprises from 170 countries, delivering specialized logistics solutions and resources across the globe. Committed to the collaborative growth of small and medium-sized international logistics enterprises, GLA fosters mutual empowerment to build a diverse, innovative, and globally trusted supply chain system rooted in shared development, ultimately striving to create a better world for global logistics. With a strong focus on intelligent logistics innovation and sustainable practices, GLA continues to support its global network, reinforcing its pivotal role in empowering SMEs and advancing a connected, future-ready logistics ecosystem.

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