LogiChem Asia is Asias only event specifically for senior industry figures working in the chemical supply chain

area. Featuring over 250 attendees, 70 speakers, 14 hours of in-depth roundtables and five streams all with the unique purpose of making your job easier in 2012, LogiChem Asia is the only event around able to give you the in-depth chemical specific supply chain analysis you need. 26-28 June 2012 Grand Hyatt, Singapore

Find out how you can attend this networking and thought provoking meeting by visiting the event website: http://www.logichemasia.com

2 minutes with Raymon Krishnan

Raymon Krishnan, President, Logistics and Supply Chain Management Society and Director, Asia Pacific Logistics and Trade Compliance, W.R.Grace

LogiChem Asia 2012: How has Asias place in the global supply chain changed? Raymon Krishnan: With the world economy today, the Asia Pacific region has grown in prominence from a business and in turn Supply Chain perspective. Aside from playing an important role in the global economy and being the source of many raw materials and products, intra Asia trade has also grown in significance as many ASEAN and other Asia Pacific countries like Korea and Japan have sufficiently large enough economies to act as microcosms of economic growth by trading between and amongst themselves. This growth in trade should continue to be encouraged as it could potentially prevent Asia from slipping into economic recessions the likes of which are being experienced in Europe and North America. LCA2012: Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the supply chain industry in 2012/2013? RK: Optimistic. Where there are issues or challenges, Logistics and Supply Chain Management is increasingly looked upon as the resource that could make or break an organization and be the differentiator for success. As the global economy continues to wallow, Supply Chain professionals are given the unique opportunity to implement new or creative opportunities. Regardless as to whether you are a newer or mature organization, there are always better raw material sources of supply, different channels to market, augmenting how we practice S&OP etc. The list of possible opportunities is endless and the industry is well poised to take advantage of these opportunities. LCA2012: Has the importance of your risk management strategy changed in recent years? RK: No, despite the change in trends and styles this basic fundamental has needed to remain constant. Strong compliance and pre-planning before embarking on any given initiative will help prevent issues down the track LCA2012: Do you see the supply chain becoming more and more integral to a companys functionability and profitability? RK: Yes, as highlighted previously LCA2012: Which individual markets are the easiest to operate in, and which have the greatest complications RK: Singapore, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong are perhaps the easiest to work in. These are fairly developed economies that have balanced cost and compliance and legal frameworks.

China, Vietnam and Australia have the greatest complications. Chinese burecracy and mercenary approach to trade is perhaps better disguised to the casual observer but certainly present. Vietnam is still finding its way as a trading economy and still has an autocratic and somewhat inconsistent approach to compliance and trade. Australia is perhaps the highest cost economy to do business in the Asia Pacific region and if there could ever be such a thing, an over emphasis on compliance. Prima facie this appears to inhibit trade through the removal of common sense and personal responsibility with an over emphasis on individual rights and benefits and a government that is not in economic control LCA2012: Which new markets are you following closely? RK: Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Sri Lanka LCA2012: What is the most important factor in the manufacturer/3pl relationship? RK: Flexibility from both parties and the interest to make it a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties. Unfortunately many shippers and service providers adopt a very opportunistic approach when developing a relationship. For example, I have worked with 3PLs who cherry pick the lanes or services want to participate in. This is especially so of the larger 3PLs. Alternatively, shippers take the same shortsighted approach and are always looking at working with the provider with the lowest up-front costs without consideration of longer terms objectives or track record of existing providers. It is a tough balancing act. LCA2012: What is the most important quality you look for in recruiting new talent? RK: The ability to show that you are an all rounder and not just academically inclined. During an interview I look for the person who has not just the IQ but also the EQ. The ability to work well with others and either coach, learn or be part of the overall team depending on the situation and circumstance. LCA2012: How much important for you is the issue of sustainable supply chains and do you think it can contribute to savings and increased profits? RK: Unfortunately, insufficient emphasis is given to this very important area of sustainable supply chains. Whilst not acceptable it is understandable to a degree. Many individuals and their organizations are fighting for survival and living quarter to quarter. Looking at it from a different perspective, this is also a huge opportunity. If we can profitably leverage sustainability and other issues related to good corporate social responsibility, the person or individual who can show the direct benefit to the bottom line of any given organization will be creating the next big wave or trend in our industry. Deep down we all want to do this. We just dont know how and certainly dont know how to do it well enough that it generates profits and not cost. LCA2012: What are you most looking forward to at LogiChem Asia 2012? RK: The opportunity to meet and learn from other Chemical Logisticians