Global trade 2024

Join industry experts for an essential conference discussing what stakeholders need to know to enhance resiliency across the global trade landscape.

Conference
7 March 2024 — 8:30AM TO 6:00PM
Chatham House and Online
Aerial view of shipping containers.

Reducing risk. Enhancing resiliency

The global trade landscape is changing, and the rise of industrial policies raise concerns about the future of open and free trade. This means policymakers and business leaders need to be more agile in navigating shifting geopolitical dynamics and look at ways to minimize risks across supply chains.

As we move away from the debate around re-globalization and de-globalization,  it is now time to explore ways to reduce the risks surrounding international trade and maximize cooperation with like-minded partners.

The 2024 conference explores what is on the horizon for global trade, how the international community can integrate ESG considerations more effectively and address what recent digital advancements will mean for global trade.

Why attend?

  • Gain unique insights into geopolitical risks that will impact the trade landscape most over the coming year.

  • Understand how business leaders and policymakers can manage both the digital and green transitions most effectively.

  • Collaborate and network with peers in-person at Chatham House, and gain access to exclusive ‘Under the Rule’ sessions.

Who attends?

Chatham House exterior.

The venue

Chatham House is a trusted forum for debate and independent analysis. Our conferences provide access to thought leadership, market insight and influential ideas by bringing together policymakers, world leaders, senior business executives and sector specialists.

Join us at our world-famous Grade II listed home in beautiful St James Square, London.

Agenda

Thursday 7 March (timings subject to change)

Keynote address

The role of the UK in the global trade landscape.

0930–1000

A new horizon for global trade

  • Which geopolitical risks are likely to have the greatest impact on global trade and what steps can businesses take to navigate this changing and complex environment?

  • How can the twin transition of digital and green economies be effectively managed to foster supply chains resiliency?

  • What role will the WTO play moving forward, and will its position be threatened by increased bilateral and regional trade agreements?

  • What impact will the rise of industrial policies and the desire to strengthen economic and national security have on open and rules-based international trading systems in the long term?

1000–1100

Networking break

1100–1130

What effect will the election ‘super year’ have on trade?

  • Will competition between the US and China be intensified by the presidential election and how can actors best respond?

  • How will European Parliament elections change the bloc’s approach to trade with external actors?

  • What would an election in the UK mean for realizing the goals it set by joining the CPTPP?

  • Will these elections present new opportunities to build new alliances and free trade agreements to foster open and global trade?

1130–1230

Networking lunch

1230–1330

Is AI a friend or foe to global trade?

  • Where are the key advantages going to be seen in combining artificial intelligence with the tools of trade?

  • Why are the risks presented by AI different to those posed by more traditional forms of digital trade?

  • Do political stakeholders need to embrace a more unified approach to regulating AI so there is commonality across the international system?

  • Will embracing AI allow other countries to challenge the US, China and the EU as a future leader of the global trade landscape?

1330–1430

India - A picture of resilience in tough economic headwinds?

  • Where is India looking to grow in the global economy and how resilient is the government’s plan to external geopolitical factors?

  • What role will the country’s multinational conglomerates play in achieving the stated aim of becoming a high-middle-income country by 2047?

  • How will the country balance growth with environmental considerations and what are the risks and opportunities associated with its “green protectionist” policies?

  • Will India further embrace AI, emerging technology and its large digital public infrastructure yet further as part of a sustained growth plan?

1430–1515

Networking break

1515–1545

Spotlight session: Creating resilient supply chains for the climate crisis

Exclusive to in person participants and held under the Chatham House Rule.

  • How can businesses ensure they are not just adopting the language of ESG, but instead integrate ESG considerations across their supply chains?

  • What role can technology play in delivering supply chain transparency and traceability?

  • What can be done to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities in sectors that rely heavily on critical minerals?

  • How do we create the optimum public/private partnership model for pushing towards greater diversification of supply chains for an economy?

1545–1645

Spotlight session: Central Bank Digital Currency: Has the future arrived?

Exclusive to in person participants and held under the Chatham House Rule.

  • Why are central banks looking to innovate in this area and what can the business and financial community do to support this and create an integrated system?

  • What makes Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) safer than private cryptocurrency and blockchain technology?

  • What are the current vulnerabilities in this technology and what could the ramifications be for the evasion of sanctions?

  • How do central banks and governments plan to support the uptake of digital currencies among their populations?

1645–1715

End of conference

1715

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