With the supply chain lengthening as a result of globalisation and offshore production, multinational companies have experienced a reduction of capital availability. In addition, the recent liquidity squeeze faced by corporates due to the tightening credit environment has encouraged them to redouble their efforts to improve cash flow, which in turn has resulted in increased pressure on their overseas suppliers. Specifically, suppliers receive pressure in the form of extended payment terms or increased working capital imposed on them by large MNC buyers. The general trend toward open account from letters of credit has further contributed to the problem.

• Spearheading the corporate SCF agenda with practical cash management strategies for Asian operations
• Redefining the relationship drivers within the value chain
• Are modern electronic platforms the natural partners in delivering practical Financial Supply Chain efficiencies in China?
• The challenges facing inter-Asian trade
• Achieving supply chain excellence for Chinese SMEs
• Alternative finance:  Looking at new sources of TF capital which don’t affect existing credit lines
• Relevance of LCs in the 21st Century

The best organisations are already focusing efforts on unlocking the trapped value in the financial supply chain by implementing new SCF techniques and taking advantage of third-party SCF experts. Their experiences can be taken on and adapted and in the current credit environment, it will become more important than ever to make sure that firms of all shapes and sizes have learned these lessons and unlocked the hidden value in their supply chain.

Here from some of the most experienced professionals in the region, including:

• Lionel Taylor, Head of Trade and Supply Chain, RBS
• Amita Jhangiani, Managing Director, Regional Trade Head, Asia Pacific, Citi
• John Richman, Head of Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank
• Xiangrong Li, CFO, Unilever China
• Michael Horowitz, Director, Finance, Asia, Liz Claiborne International Ltd
• Thomas Burkhalter, Finance Director, MGB METRO Group Buying HK Ltd
• Mark Cooper, Managing Director, Trade Finance Corporation
• Christian Stauffer, Managing Director, EuroFin Asia
• Arvind Sonmale, Managing Director, Global Trade Finance India
• Sanjay Dalmia, CEO, CashTech Soultions India Ltd
• Frederic Louat, SVP & Regional Manager for Asia & Pacific, Zurich Emerging Markets
• Jeremy Hampshire, Managing Director, TradeLine
• Kyung-Chul Kim, Senior Manager, International Relations Team, KEIC
• Gregg Hackett, Director Banking Sales and Service, Core Solutions
• Kurt Cavano, CEO, TradeCard