The 15th GLA Global Logistics Conference Opens in Bangkok: Charting a Resilient Future for Global Logistics

BANGKOK, Thailand – October 22, 2026 – The 15th GLA Global Logistics Conference officially opened today in Bangkok, Thailand. Co-hosted by the Global Logistics Enterprises Federation (GLEF) and GLA Global Logistics Alliance, this premier global gathering welcomed over 2,000 logistics entrepreneurs, industry experts, and government and business representatives from more than 130 countries and regions.

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As a key strategic hub in Southeast Asia and a vital node in the global supply chain, Bangkok provided a dynamic backdrop for the event. The conference served not only as a platform for high-level industry dialogue but also as a bridge connecting ASEAN's regional potential with broader global markets.

Navigating a World of Uncertainty

Global logistics is undergoing a profound transformation. Geopolitical shifts, fluctuating costs, and evolving trade rules have made it clear that the era of prioritizing "efficiency first" is giving way to a new model where resilience, efficiency, and sustainability are equally critical. Competition is no longer just about speed, but about comprehensive systemic resilience and end-to-end service capabilities.

Running from October 22 to 25, the agenda featured a comprehensive lineup, including the Opening Ceremony, GLA Academy Logistics Masterclass, the 4th Global Supply Chain CEO Forum, and the Women in Logistics Leadership (W.I.L.L.) Forum. The event facilitated over 100,000 targeted one-on-one business meetings, alongside a cocktail party, Gala Dinner, sports tournaments, and a cultural day tour. Over 200 professional exhibition booths showcased cutting-edge logistics technologies, driving tangible business outcomes.

Distinguished Guests and Industry Leaders

The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of prominent government officials, business leaders, and association heads, including:

 H.E. Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand

Prof. Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Prime Ministerial Advisor of Thailand

Prof. Dr. Thomas Sim, President, International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)

Mr. Muhammad Jamil Ahmed, Chairman, Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA)

Mr. Ahmad Abdulrazeq, Vice President, National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL)

Dr. Darwin Yang, President, ASEAN-China Commerce Association

Mr. Wichai Kinchong Choi, Vice President, ASEAN-China Commerce Association

Mr. Suradett Chienyuenyongpong, President, Thai Transportation and Logistics Association (TTLA)

Dr. Krizz Chantjiraporn, Vice President, The Thai Federation on Logistics

Gen. Prasert Youngprapakorn, Former Senior Officer of the Royal Thai Army’s Royal Guard

M.L. Chaivat Jayankura, Founder of CC Group, President & CEO of C.E. Enterprise Consulting

Dr. Akraphat Prompraingchai, Former Advisor to the Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT)

Mr. Narong Sakidkhwa, President of the CTAB Attorneys Association

Mr. Ouyang Hong, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China and Foreign Economic News

Ms. Grace Sun, Founder and President of GLA Global Logistics Alliance, Executive President of GLEF

A Vision for the Next Decade

In her opening address, Ms. Grace Sun reaffirmed GLA's core vision to "Create a Better World for Global Logistics," outlining three key strategic directions:

Embrace AI: Technology provides the tools, but partnerships provide the strength. Together, they create the future.

Build Resilience: The industry has shifted from "efficiency first" to "resilience first." At GLA, collaboration is not just exchanging resources-it is the stacking of trusted capabilities to turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Unlock Opportunities: GLA is moving from global layout to regional deep cultivation. With representative offices in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, GLA's footprint will continue to expand into Turkey, Singapore, and the USA, bringing localized support closer to members.

She called upon global members to fully leverage the 100,000+ Business Meetings scheduled during the conference to turn handshakes into partnerships and conversations into contracts. "At GLA, we don't just build networks. We unlock opportunities-together."

During the ceremony, H.E. Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana welcomed global delegates on behalf of Thailand, emphasizing the country's commitment to regional logistics connectivity. Prof. Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak shared insights on Thailand's strategic infrastructure and digital economy, while M.L. Chaivat Jayankura highlighted the intersection of the knowledge economy and logistics innovation. FIATA President Prof. Dr. Thomas Sim recognized GLA's trust-based network as a stabilizing force in the industry.

Strategic Milestones and Ecosystem Empowerment

A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the GLA LCC. Designed to root the global network in local markets and bridge the "last mile" of cross-border resource matching, the LCC represents GLA's solid infrastructure for localized empowerment. This marks a strategic leap, evolving GLA from a traditional resource-linking network into a deeply empowering ecosystem that now serves over 7,500 member enterprises across 170 countries and 706 ports.

Furthermore, GLA solidified its global footprint through strategic signings with the Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA), SCM-ITC Academy, and key European partners. A series of digital products were also unveiled, designed to lower barriers to global trade by streamlining cross-border capital flows and communication.

Turning Handshakes into Contracts

While the forums addressed where the industry is heading, the one-on-one meetings focused on how cooperation materializes. Over the three days, more than 100,000 targeted business meetings were facilitated, witnessing the realization of numerous cooperation intentions. Running in parallel, over 200 professional exhibition booths showcased digital systems, full-chain visualization platforms, and new energy transport solutions.

The conference garnered widespread attention from over 100 global media outlets, forming a comprehensive communication matrix that highlights the latest advancements in the global logistics ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

From Shenzhen to Bangkok, the 15th GLA Global Logistics Conference was more than a grand industry gathering. It was a collective response to a global question: how to make global supply chains more stable, connected, and sustainable. By combining deeper local roots, broader global connections, and the stacking of technology and trust, GLA continues to embody the true weight of its vision: "To Create a Better World for Global Logistics."

The 16th GLA Global Logistics Conference is scheduled for May 6–9, 2027, in Shenzhen, China. GLA looks forward to reuniting with global partners to continue this journey of trust, innovation, and shared success.