MITIGATING supply chain risk is said to be the top concern for most Asian shippers and logistics services providers, according to Li & Fung Logistics vice president Tommy Lui.
  This will be the main focus of Mr Lui's keynote speech at the upcoming TOC Container Supply Chain Asia 2012 conference to be held on March 13-15 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
  The event will feature an expert panel comprising major logistics chain stakeholders and analysts, including Transport Secretary Eva Cheng, a statement from the organisers said.
  Mr Lui will point out that Asian supply chains have been affected by a number of natural disasters during 2011, including the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and flooding in Thailand and China, causing major disruptions in the movement of parts, materials and finished goods.
  "We have also seen rising labour and land costs across Asia, together with inflation and civil unrest," Mr Lui said. "This has posed a new set of challenges for 3PLs, who now need to find flexible solutions that can mitigate risk and rising costs for their existing customers and at the same time explore new market segments and niche opportunities."

(source:shipping online)