GLOBAL COMMODITIES CONFERENCE 2022
On 23-24 June 2022, after the forced hiatus due to the pandemic, the Global Commodities Conference 2022 took place at the LAC in Lugano (Lugano Arte e Cultura). This is an international event organised by the Lugano Commodity Trading Association (LCTA) and supported by the following sponsors: Allianz, Banca Stato, Chamber of Commerce of the Canton of Ticino, Coeclerici, EY, Flame, HFW, Propeller Club – Port of Lugano, Swiss Trading and Shipping Association (STSA), Ticino Welcome and Zug Commodities Association (ZCA).
The event, which was attended by more than 250 guests, confirmed itself as one of the leading industry meetings with the participation of international trade experts, commodity traders, banking institutions and various other service providers. It is important to note that due to the pandemic, it was decided to invite above all local speakers with ties to Swiss trading hubs.
At the opening evening on 23 June, LCTA Vice President Roberto Grassi interviewed the well-known journalist Antonio Caprarica. With a speech entitled ‘Commodity Trading – the challenging geopolitical landscape’, the special guest stimulated the audience’s interest by referring to his diverse and enriching experiences in journalism in various parts of the world.
On 24 June, on the other hand, the day was opened by Matthew Bryza, US Ambassador, who gave his views on the current geopolitical situation with a focus on the conflict in Ukraine.
The day was then divided into three parts.
The first, entitled “Shipping and Logistic: Are we still sailing stormy waters?”; the moderator Michel’Angelo Piccinini (President, Propeller Club Port of Lugano) focused attention on the current dynamics of shipping after the difficult years of the pandemic, which have led to a limited supply of ships, an excessive increase in maritime freight rates, reduced activity of shipyards, and in general management difficulties related to covid19.
Among the speakers were:
Harris Antoniou, Founder & Managing Director, Neptune Maritime Leasing Ltd
Gemma Carbone, Business Development Executive, Ifchor
Andrea Organista D’Amato, Principal & Chartering Manager, Armator Shipping
In the second, ‘Compliance and sustainability in war and resource shortage times’, the focus was on the current geopolitical situation in order to understand the functioning of various trading and financial activities in this complex and volatile environment characterised by international sanctions.
Speakers included:
Sarah Hunt, Partner, HFW
Taylor Konkin, Head of Commodity Trading Audit EY Geneva
Deia Markova, Head of Trade Commodity Finance, SGCIB
Thomas Patrick, CFO, DITH.
This panel was moderated by Pietro Poretti, Director Economic Development Division, City of Lugano, who captured the most relevant and interesting aspects.
Finally, with the third panel, entitled ‘Commodities shortage and global economy’, the conference took a more global slant on the supply of raw materials.
Speakers included:
Marco Arrighini, Head of Southern Region, Allianz Trade Switzerland
Matija Barudzija, CEO, ENET Energy SA
Marco Galimberti, CEO, DP Trade SA
James May, Director Strategy, DITH
The panel was expertly moderated by Florence Schurch, Secretary General, STSA
With around 250 participants over the two days and with several outstanding speakers and moderators, the event was stimulating and offered participants excellent opportunities to exchange, compare and network expertise.
Given the appreciation of GCC 2022, the organisers are already thinking about the next edition.
