BCIM International Logistics Channel Co-operation Forum (21-22 October 2023)

21-22 October 2023

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in China co-organized a forum in Tengchong (滕沖) in the Yunnan province between 21 and 22 October 2023. Tengchong city bordering Bangladesh, India and Myanmar is an important town with massive investment on road and rail construction connecting south-west China to East and Southeast Asia forming China’s Southern silk road. It is also the ancient Tea Horse Road with silk going to the West and Buddha coming from the East.

The 2023 BCIM International Logistics Channel Co-operation Forum (2023孟中印緬地區國際物流通道合作論壇) is supported by Tengchong city and graced by Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar of China and Consulate General of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kunming.

Speaking at the Forum include local experts and CILT presidents, Wang Ensen from China, Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir from Bangladesh, Shri N Sivasailam from India and Karmjit Singh from Singapore. Also taking part in the conference is WiLAT Hong Kong – Carmen Li, Singapore – Kelly Lee, Myanmar – Honey, Hla Hla Yee, and China – Li Tong.  Dorothy Chan, FCILT and Head of HKU SPACE Centre for Logistics and Transport, Vicky Koo FCILT, Dr. Aye Aye and Daw Hla Hla Yee spoke at the conference. With up-to-date knowledge on current logistics operation, Vicky introduced the concepts of “Digitization through Smart Modalized Container” and work process improvements through the application of technology.

Dr. Dorothy Chan’s introduction attracted attention when she made reference to ‘The Hump’ which was the name given in 1942 by Allied pilots in the Second World War as they flew aircraft from India to Kunming on war supplies. The Hump route is an extremely challenging flight route through the Himalayas and was made difficult by the lack of reliable charts and the maze-like Himalayas passes.

WiLAT China Chairperson Li Tong moderated the morning session of the BCIM 2023 conference.   Her facilitation effectively enhanced the learning experience of participants at the conference.  

We learned from the Forum that the momentum of economic co-operation is strong with numerous projects underway. While economic development is the main focus, attention is also given to relief of poverty, health, food aid and disaster relief.  The Forum recognized the need to further promote infrastructure connectivity, to reach agreement on customs clearance measures and to co-ordinate and connect different transport modes.

Photo taken at the boarder of Tengchong, China and Myanmar – HauTau Customs Gateway