The New Silk Road Network is dedicated to discovering common ground and fostering collaboration. Our Annual Meetings are a crucial part of achieving this goal. This year's gathering marked a significant milestone as we warmly welcomed our members from Mainland China for the first time with all travel restrictions lifted, hence our main theme “Coming Together”. Approximately 60 attendees gathered at the luxurious Bangkok Marriott Surawongse from October 23rd to 26th, 2023, making it our biggest networking fiesta since our inception.

The Annual Meeting kicked off with a cocktail reception at the Yao Rooftop Bar, providing a stunning backdrop of the Bangkok skyline. Our CEO extended a brief and welcoming toast, creating the atmosphere for a memorable evening where members got to catch up with old friends and also meet new ones. The subsequent day was filled with focused one-on-one meeting sessions, as well as a presentation from our giveaways partner DAO Ethical Gifts. DAO is a social enterprise based in Thailand that employs women living in marginalized communities to produce custom merchandize, and the profits are further reinvested to support vulnerable children through the Baan Dek Foundation program. Such a partnership was greatly welcomed by our members, and it was a truly fulfilling experience to be able to support such a great initiative at our event. Following the afternoon coffee break was an exciting tuk-tuk city tour of Bangkok. Three stops each embodying a local impression of Thailand was chosen: The Wat Arun Temple, Talat Phlu food market, and the Anantara Riverside. Along the journey, attendees explored local culinary gems and wrapped up the day with a dinner beside the Chao Phraya River, complemented by traditional Thai dances.

The following day was dedicated to meetings and informative presentations, with a focus on insights from LEO Global Logistics and CSL Poland. LEO Global Logistics offered a comprehensive view of the Thai logistics market and Thailand's significance as a logistics hub within the Belt and Road Initiative. Meanwhile, CSL's presentation delved into the prospects of intermodal transport between China and Europe, providing valuable perspectives on the state of the Polish market and future possibilities. The day wrapped up with a cheerful happy hour, with the ice cream cart stealing the spotlight. The subsequent day adopted a more relaxed ambiance, featuring half-day meetings and a farewell lunch.

We express our sincere appreciation to our sponsors Alexander Global Logistics, Anil Mantra Logistix Group, CSL Poland, LEO Global Logistics, and TEU Bulgaria for their invaluable support. It is with the contribution of each and every one of them that we are able to go that extra mile with our event experience. The dynamic event itinerary, including one-to-one meetings, a vibrant cocktail reception, an exciting tuk-tuk tour, an exquisite gala dinner, and an enjoyable happy hour, provided our members with opportunities to establish new business connections and foster lasting friendships.

Till next time!