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Bangkok, Thailand, April 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — From April 1 to 4, 2026, JCtrans held the 21st Global Freight Forwarders Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together more than 4,200 freight forwarding executives, association leaders and industry experts from around the world. Through member salons, business coordination sessions, keynote speeches, panel discussions, one-on-one meetings, gala dinners and a cruise night, participants engaged in wide-ranging exchanges and business discussions. More than a large-scale industry event, the conference marked a significant moment in the international logistics sector’s shift from the traditional alliance model toward a digital, credit-driven platform model.

More than 4,200 industry professionals from over 120 countries and regions attended the conference in Bangkok. During the event, participants completed more than 100,000 rounds of one-on-one meetings, generating strong business momentum across the platform. In addition, over 100 new cooperation agreements were successfully concluded during the conference. Many members also reached follow-up cooperation intentions based on their recognition of the JCtrans brand and service capabilities. The conference also presented several awards, including Annual Best Partner and Best Financial Partner.

Company representatives attending the event broadly agreed that the platform model built by JCtrans has helped lower the trust barriers in cross-border cooperation, improve the efficiency of Business Opportunity Matching, and provide meaningful support for small and medium-sized freight forwarders seeking to compete on a global stage.

Director of Startransit Pte Ltd Mr.Rustamov also participated in the conference and met with a lot of potential agents and partners.

JCtrans is a leading global B2B platform in the international logistics industry, with 28,600+ Paid Enterprise-level Users and 770,000 registered users. It has established a presence in 867 cities across 181 countries, with more than 12,000 active members worldwide and more than 3.5 million business opportunities generated on the platform each year. Through digital tools, credit protection and ecosystem support, the platform is committed to helping freight forwarders build connections more efficiently and achieve sustainable growth.

• Escalating tensions in the Middle East are beginning to ripple across global air cargo networks, with multiple airspace closures forcing airlines to reroute flights and suspend operations across key transit corridors. 
• New analysis from WorldACD Market Data highlights the scale of the exposure.
• Based on global air cargo volumes by weight between November 2025 and January 2026, approximately 21 percent of worldwide air cargo flows are directly linked to the Middle East — either originating, terminating, or transiting through the region.

The war in Iran and the resulting airspace restrictions across parts of the Middle East are directly affecting a significant share of global air cargo flows, highlighting the region’s central role in international supply chains.

According to new analysis by WorldACD Market Data, approximately 21 percent of worldwide air cargo flows are directly linked to the Middle East when measured by weight between November 2025 and January 2026.

The figures reflect cargo that either originates in the region, is destined for it, or passes through major Middle Eastern hubs acting as transit gateways between continents.

WorldACD’s breakdown of global cargo flows shows that:
• 0.4 percent of global air cargo moves within the Middle East itself
• 2.2 percent flows from the Middle East to global destinations
• 8.8 percent travels from worldwide origins to the Middle East
• 9.5 percent of global cargo is transported via Middle Eastern hubs

Together, these flows account for 21 percent of global air cargo activity, underlining the strategic importance of the region’s aviation network.

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• Singapore links future competitiveness to resilience, cooperation, and sustainability
• Alvin Tan urges logistics leaders to prepare for disruption and opportunity
• ASEAN gains from global manufacturing shifts under China-plus-one strategy

As Southeast Asia cements its role at the centre of global supply chain realignment, Singapore has issued a clear message: the region’s future competitiveness depends on resilience, cooperation, and sustainability. Opening transport logistic and air cargo Southeast Asia 2025 in Singapore, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan urged logistics leaders to prepare for a decade defined by disruption and opportunity.

“We are living in an era of multiple and overlapping weather systems,” Tan said, describing the pressures of geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and climate risk.

“We must upgrade our ships and planes to weather the storms ahead – bigger, smarter, greener.”

Tan highlighted how Southeast Asia has benefited from the ongoing diversification of global manufacturing. “Global companies are increasingly adopting a China-plus-one strategy, and ASEAN has become an attractive alternative,” he said.

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Singapore is set to become the epicentre of logistics innovation as transport logistic Southeast Asia & air cargo Southeast Asia 2025 prepares to open its doors. Hosted by MMI Asia, the event promises to bring together more than 10,000 professionals, 120 exhibitors from 27 countries, and over 150 industry leaders from across the globe. From digital transformation and sustainability to human capital and regional infrastructure, the event aims to chart the future of how goods move through one of the world’s fastest-growing trade corridors.

Michael Wilton, CEO and Managing Director of MMI Asia, said the event “serves as a catalyst for regional transformation—connecting industry leaders, innovators, and emerging talent to shape the future of logistics across ASEAN and beyond.”

Resilient supply chains in an uncertain world

The Main Stage will dive headfirst into the pressing realities shaping global logistics. “We’re addressing the twin forces reshaping supply chains today: U.S. tariff shifts and Southeast Asia’s rapid rise as a manufacturing and logistics hub,” said Wilton. The keynote, “From Fragile to Future-Proof: How Digital Tools and Human Talent Build Truly Resilient Logistics Networks” by Radu Palamariu, Group CEO of Alcott Global, sets the tone for a programme dedicated to resilience and adaptability.

Wilton added that the discussions will go far beyond theory. “Panels such as ‘Southeast Asia’s Transport and Logistics Horizon’ and ‘Shaping the Future of Supply Chains – Navigating Transformation Successfully’ feature leaders from Google, Boeing, and dsm-Firmenich, discussing how companies are diversifying sourcing, investing in ASEAN infrastructure, and leveraging AI-driven planning,” he said. These conversations will explore how logistics operators can not only manage tariff-related risks but also seize the opportunities presented by the region’s projected seven percent trade growth and US$46 billion in FDI inflows.

“The key takeaway is resilience through strategy and innovation,” Wilton noted. “Attendees will leave with insights into how technology and talent together create stronger, more adaptive logistics systems.”

The Changi advantage

A major highlight of the event will be the Centre Stage sessions, spotlighting the infrastructure driving Southeast Asia’s airfreight growth. “One of our most anticipated sessions is ‘Blueprint for Establishing a Regional Air Cargo Hub’ by Lim Ching Kiat, EVP of Changi Airport Group,” said Wilton. “It will give participants an insider’s view of Terminal 5 and how it’s designed to strengthen Singapore’s position as a strategic logistics hub.”

Terminal 5, currently under development, is being built with automation, SAF-ready infrastructure, and advanced cargo handling systems—features that Wilton believes will “significantly boost ASEAN connectivity, enabling faster, more efficient cargo flows across key trade lanes.”

Supporting sessions such as “Sustainable Growth of Air Cargo in Southeast Asia”—featuring executives from Etihad Airways Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, and MAB Kargo—will also explore how sustainability and capacity growth can coexist. “These developments support regional integration and resilience, positioning Southeast Asia as a global logistics gateway,” said Wilton.

The future of integrated logistics

For Wilton, one of the event’s defining features is its focus on actionable innovation. “Our Exhibitor Seminars demonstrate how AI, IoT, and predictive analytics are being used today to improve efficiency and collaboration,” he said. Sessions include “Digitalisation with AI” by Cargo Community Network, “Introduction to Siemens Digital Logistics Portfolio”, and “From Data to Decisions – AI and Visibility in the Future of Supply Chain Management” by BlueBox Systems.

However, Wilton is quick to point out that technology alone is not the answer. “Sessions like ‘Blame the Software? It’s Not Just the Tech That’s Holding You Back’ by Yojee Solutions dig into why digitalisation projects fail,” he said. “It’s about leadership alignment, change management, and cultural readiness. You can’t build a digital supply chain without addressing the human side.”

The sustainability agenda is equally central to the event. Day 2, themed “Paving the Way for a Greener Future,” will host panels such as “Achieving Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Goal with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)”, featuring Singapore Airlines and Boeing, alongside “Embedding Scope 3 to Progress towards Net Zero” with Toll Group and Wilhelmsen Ships Service. “These sessions provide clear, actionable roadmaps for decarbonisation,” Wilton said. “Southeast Asia has the potential to supply 12 percent of global SAF demand by 2050—and we’re showing how that can become reality.”

The next connection

Beyond its panels and presentations, the event will also serve as a major networking platform. With its dedicated event app for one-to-one meetings, Wilton said, “We’re ensuring every participant—whether they’re a startup, policymaker, or global enterprise—can build meaningful partnerships.”

The event will also nurture future talent through Future Leaders’ Day, featuring speakers from Alcott Global, Freightos Group, and MAB Kargo. “We’re giving young professionals access to mentorship, career insights, and the skills they’ll need for leadership in an evolving logistics industry,” he added.

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