3rd Annual Asia Trade & Export Finance Conference

Event Review

The elite of Asia's trade and export finance community descended on Singapore's Grand Hyatt Hotel to discuss key challenges and exchange contacts at Exporta's 3rd Annual Asia Trade & Export Finance Conference, which took place on September 7-8, 2011.

Over 400 market leaders were in attendance during the two days, including a broad range of local and international banks, corporates, insurers, lawyers, multilaterals, ECAs and other key service providers, with conversations centred on the continuing success story of Asia and its broader context within the global trade landscape.

With an extensive list of speakers drawn from both the local and international market, topics included increasing trade volumes and subsequent liquidity challenges, Asian corporate expansion into other emerging markets, the role of China and India in facilitating intra-regional trade, the importance of trade credit and PRI insurance, commodity financing challenges and improved Asian export performance abroad.

Enjoying unrivalled sponsorship and support from the region's leading financial institutions and held in partnership with the Government of Singapore, the event was deemed a huge success, with delegates taking the opportunity to advise, discuss, network and do business through a free rolling stream format, with a choice of speakers and sessions available.

The conference was followed by GTR's Asian Leaders in Trade 2011 Awards Dinner, which recognised and rewarded the leading institutions within trade, export and commodity finance both on a national and regional level.

Description

Following its hugely successful event in 2010, which welcomed over 280 market leaders from the Asian trade and export finance community to discuss key issues from the world's fastest growing region, Exporta returns to Singapore in 2011 for its 3rd Annual Asia Trade & Export Finance Conference.

During the 2010 conference much was made of the vital role played by the Asia-Pacific region in fuelling the world's economic recovery, and this looks set to be a continuing theme for the 2011 gathering, with particular focus on the importance of intra-regional trade, as well as Asian corporate expansion across both the developed world and emerging markets, bringing with it huge opportunities for financial institutions to ride a wave of explosive growth. 

As well as welcoming leading corporate and trade banking heads from within the region, along with various other key actors, the conference will also highlight the vast potential provided for non-Asian players, as the world looks East for its primary trade flows and various financial service providers look to capitalise on a thriving and dynamic market.

Among the issues to be covered at the conference:

• Future forecasts and business trend predictions for the region's growth
• Considering the cash and trade outlook and greater treasury integration
• How can Asia keep commodity traders and financiers attracted to the region?
• Political risk and trade credit insurance: How new operators are upsetting the status quo
• Guidance on overcoming legal and regulatory hurdles within different jurisdictions
• Highlighting the leading export finance deals and the ways in which they are being financed
• Tracking the growth of infrastructure project development and meeting market demand
• Is China able to sustain its growth in the long term?
• What are the key drivers in Indian economic and trade growth?
• Showcasing successes enjoyed in thriving new markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand

Who should attend?

• Local and international banks
• Financiers
• Corporate exporters and importers
• Commodity brokers and traders
• Insurance brokers and underwriters
• Export credit agencies
• Lawyers and consultants
• Solution providers
• Multilaterals
• Market analysts and policy advisors 

With networking opportunities once again at the forefront (as with all Exporta conferences), delegates will have the opportunity to extend their business discussions into the evening, with a special reception taking place upon the conclusion of Day One.

Event Photos

Brochure

Programme

♦♦♦DAY 1♦♦♦

08.00 Registration and refreshments

Chairman: Kuresh Sarjan, Managing Director & Head, Trade & Supply Chain Solutions, Asia, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

08.50 Opening remarks
Bruce Proctor, Trade & Supply Chain Product Executive, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

08.55 Keynote: Setting the trend for Asia’s burgeoning economic growth
Ravi Saxena, Managing Director, Head of Trade, Asia Pacific, Citi
• The changing balance of economic global power: Has Asia driven the increase in global economic activity post-crisis?
• Examining key factors such as reducing bureaucracy and developing a skilled and motivated workforce
• Considering the development of a strong export market on global capital and trade flows
• The role of government stimulation packages in improving infrastructure and subsequent impact on trade
• Assessing the impact of relocation of manufacturing and support services from developed countries to the Asian market

09.15 Leading the way: The role of trade finance in driving Asia forward
Moderator: John McQuaid, Global Head of Supply Chain Management Group, BNP Paribas
Jonathan Heuser, Managing Director, Regional Head of Trade Advisory & Solution Delivery, J.P. Morgan
Kuresh Sarjan, Managing Director & Head, Trade & Supply Chain Solutions, Asia, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Parvaiz Dalal, Managing Director, Head of Structured Trade Asean & Risk Distribution Asia, Citi
Amita Jhangiani, Head of Global Product Management, Trade & Supply Chain, HSBC
Grace Li, Head of Structured Trade Finance Asia, BBVA
• Tracking the significant growth in Asian trade-related assets in the last year and subsequent market revenue
• With growing volumes, renewed competition and increased liquidity are financiers now having to work harder to achieve less?
• Considering increased demand for structured trade solutions to offset various trader risks
• Examining the role of China and India as the dominant growth drivers for the broader Asia region
• Tracking changes in corporate attitudes as a result of increased export demand and market confidence

10.00 The corporate view: Changing attitudes and approaches
PohYee Ng, Head of Trade & Supply Chain, SEA, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Rudra Kundu, Head of Structured Finance, Asia Pacific, Japan & India Regions, Nokia Siemens Networks
• Has there been a change in corporate financing attitudes as a result of recent growth in Asia?
• Re-emphasising the importance of relationships when considering potential trade financing instruments
• Discussing the mechanisms being offered by banks to assist corporates in managing their liquidity and cash flow
• How Asian corporates are gaining a firmer foothold in the developed markets as well as the local market
• How has access to the capital markets impacted on the importance of trade financing?

10.35 Networking break hosted by J.P. Morgan

11.05 Exceeding expectations: The ongoing success story of Australia
Moderator: Michael Hogan, Head of Trade Finance, Asia, National Australia Bank (NAB)
Stephen Holden, General Manager, Regional Head of Trade & Payments, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)
Afien Juni Yahya, Vice-President, International Division, Head of Trade Services, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI)
• Highlighting increased trade flows in and out of thriving Asian markets as well as other emerging regions
• Are Australian banks benefitting as a result of greater understanding of Asian market/client needs?
• Should Australia be looking to diversity its export market to maximise the opportunities available?
• Familiar faces: Does Australia run the risk of becoming too dependent on its leading trade partners?
• Assessing the importance of Australia’s traditional western relationships in light of strong Asian growth

11.40 A changing dynamic: Opportunities and challenges posed by new trade corridors
Amita Jhangiani, Head of Global Product Management, Trade & Supply Chain, HSBC
• Expanding corporate interests in intra-regional trade rather than with traditional western partners
• Has internationalisation and emergence of non-OECD 'south-south' trading relations brought about a 'new phase' of trade?
• New opportunities: Considering increased business volumes with other emerging markets
• How has the changing landscape impacted on the needs of the corporate financier?

12.10 Top tips for trading in Southeast Asia
John Simpson, Partner, Ince & Co Singapore
• Discharge of cargo against a letter of indemnity: What happens if you don't have a bill of lading?
• The impact of force majeure on shipping contracts
• Sanction compliance issues in international trade

12.30 How important is credit and political risk insurance for Asia Pacific trade finance?
Moderator: Anthony Palmer, Deputy Chairman, BPL Global
Julian Hudson, Regional Manager, Political Risk & Credit, Ace Asia Pacific
Freddie Lim, Managing Director, Gallagher Singapore
Catherine Aubert, Head of Trade & Political Risk Insurance, Société Générale
Albert Lim, Head of Trade Credit Insurance, Liability & RWA Management, Standard Chartered Bank
Sarah Gulston, Head of Structured Trade Finance, Singapore, Stemcor
David Anderson, Senior Vice-President & Regional Manager, Asia, Zurich
• In what ways does the private insurance market fail to meet the expectations of the banks?
• Is the specialist political risk insurance market sufficiently developed in Asia in terms of capacity and expertise?
• How would the industry assess 2010 in terms of new claims and loss notifications and recoveries on losses paid?
• Where do people in the market see the key areas for opportunity?
• How does the private market complement the products offered by ECAs and multilaterals?
• What effect will Basel III have on the private insurance market
offering?

13.20 Lunch hosted by National Australia Bank

14.20 Choose between Stream A and Stream B

____________________________________________________________

Stream A: 14.20 - 17.20
Chairman: Bruce Proctor, Trade & Supply Chain Product Executive, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

14.20 Panel discussion: Evolving trade services across the Asian supply chain
Moderator: Jonathan Heuser, Managing Director, Regional Head of Trade Advisory & Solution Delivery, J.P. Morgan
Bruno Lechevalier, Head of Supply Chain Management, Asia Pacific, Global Trade Solutions, BNP Paribas
Sanjay Tandon, Managing Director, Asia Head Trade Services, Citi
Mark Evans, Global Head of Trade & Supply Chain, ANZ
Connie Leung, Director, Payments & Trade Markets, Asia Pacific, Swift
Digby Bennett, Regional Sales Director, China Systems
• Leveraging new business through integrating the physical and financial
• Developing platforms to allow for greater collaboration in support of trade flows
• Which Asian markets have the most evolved SCF infrastructure and how do client needs differ?
• Is financial supply chain management primarily driven by multinationals?
• Moving beyond ‘anchor clients’ to look deeper into the supply chain
• Is supply chain finance entering a critical stage in the need for innovation and integration?

15.10 Best practice in trade and export finance: The corporate perspective
Matti Malminen, Director, Trade Finance, Konecranes
• Prioritising management efficiency through improved technology
• Improving visibility, effectiveness and automation of processes
• Lessons learned by exporters from the financial crisis
• Sharing experiences with banks and other corporates

15.35 Networking break hosted by J.P. Morgan

16.05 Trade finance funds: A meaningful and sustainable player for Asian corporates?
Francois Dotta, Head of Merchant Finance, Director, EuroFin Asia Group
• De-mystification of asset-backed and structured finance investments funds
• Moving beyond the role of originator and arranger to more direct participation
• Understanding and controlling the risks associated with such transactions

16.30 What is the outlook for the Asian commodities market?
Moderator: William Shaw, Director, Texel Finance
Willem Klaassens, Managing Director, Latour Commodities
Michael Rolfe, Global Head of Commodity Trade Finance, UniCredit
Azman Noorani, Vice-President, Swiss Re
Chong Sook Ping, Regional Manager, Agricultural Commodities, Asia, Cotecna
• Has pricing now returned to pre-crisis levels with problems faced by exporters now forgotten?
• Is LC trade still dominant and if so does this reflect continuing risk concerns and difficulties faced by financiers?
• Assessing how traders are expanding strategies across the supply chain and working with local banks
• Highlighting the difficulties faced by local banks and producers in financing commodity trade
• The role of insurers and other actors in providing capacity for commodity financing
• Does the fragmented nature of the commodities market make it harder for new players to find clients?

____________________________________________________________

Stream B: 14.20 - 17.20
Chairman: Rupert Sayer, CEO, Exporta Asia

14.20 Incoterms 2011: The latest update
Vincent O'Brien, Representative to the WTO Expert Group, ICC Banking Commission
• Offering a comprehensive outline of the rules setting out duties, costs and risks in the sale and movement of goods
• Gaining a better understanding the obligations of both buyer and seller under contract of sale
• The importance of conforming to standards when trading within emerging markets
• Defining responsibility for issues such as transportation, handling and insurance
• Reducing uncertainty across differing jurisdictions on regulatory interpretations

14.50 Documentary requirements under UCP 600
Soh Chee Seng, Chief Consultant, DC Trade Consultants Singapore
• Providing a comprehensive review on the present trade landscape and products being offered
• Examining the latest trends in terms of volume and value for these products
• Considering the impact of regional growth in terms of demand and pricing
• ICC perspectives on the presentation of transport documents within a letter of credit
• Comparing risk ratings between traditional products and general banking facilities
• Prospects for 2012: Is the letter of credit still the dominant trade instrument being used globally?

15.35 Networking break hosted by J.P. Morgan

16.05 Basel III: Are we getting any nearer?
Geoff Parry, Head of Trade, South Asia, National Australia Bank (NAB)
• Considering how the new regulations has impacted on the trade finance market in practice
• Is the balance sheet now the key concern when it comes to banking priorities?
• Do increased capital requirements risk derailing Asia’s impressive trade growth?

16.30 The role of multilateral trade facilitation programmes in shaping Asia's trade landscape
Moderator: Steven Beck, Head of Trade Finance, Asian Development Bank
Tan Kah Chye, Global Head of Trade & Working Capital, Barclays Corporate
Michelle Hui, Global Trade Portfolio Management, Asia ECAs/MLAs, J.P. Morgan
Arnaud Dornel, Head of Structured Trade Finance, Asia Pacific, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
• Given the low probability of loss in trade finance transactions why are multilateral programmes required?
• Does this indicate a market failure within the trade finance industry?
• Is the ultimate goal of ADB and other multilaterals to render themselves obsolete?
• How can trade facilitation programmes do a better job in filling market gaps through the private sector?

17.20 Close of Day One followed by evening reception sponsored by BPL Global

♦♦♦DAY 2♦♦♦


08.00 Coffee and networking

08.55 Chairman’s morning remarks
Grace Li, Head of Structured Trade Finance Asia, BBVA

09.00 China versus India: Who wins?
Ben Ford, Senior Economist, Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC)
• Considering the respective growth of Asia's two economic superpowers
• Examining strengths, weaknesses, similarities and differences in approach to industrialisation
• Comparing the centralised nature of China's growth with the more individually capitalist culture in India
• For how much longer can the two countries be expected to lead the region?
• Which other countries are entering or are expected to enter the fold?

09.30 Increasing significance of Asian and LatAm trade flows
Alicia García-Herrero, Chief Economist, Emerging Markets, BBVA
• How are the growth prospects for Latin America’s key economies in relation to Asia’s?
• Considering the role of Latin America and its lucrative commodities market in contributing to Asian growth
• Increasing Asian exports to the LatAm market: Does the Asian model serve as an example of what can be achieved?

10.00 The role of the US within the new global dynamic
Dan North, Chief Economist, Euler Hermes ACI
• New forces and measures within the US economy
• Devaluation, international debt and trade
• Considering the impact of Asian market growth on the US market
• Is there an air of cautious optimism? Have lessons been learned?

10.30 Networking break hosted by J.P. Morgan

11.10 Aiming high: The growth of local SMEs
Chu Chong Lim, Head of SME Business, DBS Bank Singapore
• What were the key lessons learned by SMEs during the global downturn?
• Stressing the importance of strong banking partnerships in regaining and growing market share
• Problems posed by operating within a small competitive market with a limited talent pool
• How important is investment in technology in helping SMEs in their drive for competitive advantage?
• Beyond borders: The role of banking partners and government support in assisting overseas expansion

11.40 Country focus: Indonesia’s role as a new market force
Anton Gunawan, Chief Economist, Bank Danamon
• Showcasing Indonesia's role as a key beneficiary of China and India's trade appetite
• Assessing the growing appeal of Indonesia for international banks looking to enter the market
• Providing specific focus on key commodities such as thermal coal, LNG and palm oil
• The role of state institutions in supporting Indonesian exporters through increased export coverage

12.10 Does intra-Asian trade provide the opportunity for Rmb settlement to dominate the transaction market?
Bruno Francois, Head of Global Trade Solutions, Greater China, BNP Paribas
• Improving understanding among corporates traders of the implications and benefits of settling in Rmb
• Increasing visibility in the supply chain through greater control, transparent pricing, reduced FX costs and shortened settlement cycles
• Opportunities for banks to take the lead in delivering value-added services to corporates using Rmb
• Considering the emergence of Hong Kong as an offshore Rmb market and impact on the wider region
• Is it possible to predict the true extent of the impact Rmb settlement will have on trading behaviour?

12.40 Asian export finance: Built on stable foundations?
Moderator: Matthew Strong, Managing Director, Capital Risks, Jardine Lloyd Thompson
Paul Gardner, Regional Head of Structured Trade & Export Finance, Asia Pacific, Deutsche Bank
Michael Lutz, Head of Structured Trade & Export Finance Asia Pacific, UniCredit
Pascal Serre, Vice-President, Head of Financial Solutions, Alcatel-Lucent Asia Pacific
Arnaud Fiscel, Head of Asia Origination, Capex Financing Solutions, Barclays Capital
Sumanta Panigrahi, Director, Head of Export & Agency Finance, Asia Pacific, Citi
• The role of other emerging markets such as Africa and Latin America in increasing the Asian export pool
• What are the main markets triggering the use of ECA financing for long standing users of export finance?
• Increased corporate expansion across smaller Asian economies and subsequent broadening of risk provision
• Examining the increase in demand for global buyers looking to Asian exports to fulfill key projects
• Is the gap narrowing in terms of buyer/borrower demand and available financing sources?
• Are international players now looking beyond the traditional players in the export finance field?

13.30 Close of conference followed by networking lunch

Venue

Accommodation

Delegates are responsible for the arrangement and payment of their own travel and accommodation. 

Upon registering to attend this event, Exporta will inform you of how to book accommodation at the venue.

Sponsors

Sponsorship opportunities including exhibition stands are available for this event.

To become a sponsor, please contact Tom Whitehead, Head of Sponsorship Sales at twhitehead@exportagroup.com.

Exporta's events have a global reputation, renowned for superb networking opportunities and educational presentations by high-profile speakers.

Time after time our events attract the leading companies in our market as sponsors.

See below for a full list of our Event Sponsors, Institutional Partners and Media Partners and click on the logo to visit their web site. 

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