Chen Hongbing, President and Editor-in-Chief of China Shipping Gazette, was invited to deliver a keynote speech at an industry seminar of the Machinery and Automotive Exhibition Committee of the China Convention and Exhibition Society.

The seminar was held on August 22 at Zhengzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, bringing together representatives from machinery, automotive and manufacturing-related associations to discuss high-quality exhibition development, digital transformation, industry coordination and how exhibitions can support Chinese manufacturers in expanding overseas.

Chen delivered a speech titled “The Role of Manufacturing Associations in the Global Expansion of Chinese Manufacturing: From Exhibition Empowerment to a Dual-Engine Model of Exhibition + Logistics.”

He noted that Chinese manufacturing is entering a new stage, shifting from “product exports” to “product + capacity exports”. As a result, manufacturers are paying greater attention to international logistics control, supply chain security and delivery certainty.

Chen said international shipping has entered a period of “slow growth and high volatility”, with manufacturers facing challenges such as freight rate fluctuations, space shortages and delivery uncertainty. Their logistics needs are shifting from a focus on low cost to a balance of cost, resilience and safety.

He emphasized that manufacturing associations should strengthen cross-sector cooperation with logistics industry associations, helping small and medium-sized manufacturers address supply chain and logistics challenges.

Chen also shared the practice of International Shipping & Logistics Expo (ISL Expo), which has been held in Shanghai for four consecutive editions since 2023. Going forward, ISL Expo will deepen cooperation with manufacturing associations by offering conference support, logistics resource matching and BCO long-term contract cooperation opportunities.