Manila-based company Royal Cargo has recently commenced shipping from Davao City to the US West Coast and this is expected to spur more trade for Mindanao.
Tony Peralta, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao Business Council (ECCP-SMBC), told Edge Davao that Royal Cargo, which is one of the members of ECCP, is shipping agricultural and industrial products to the West Coast.
“Hopefully, this kind of development can spur more trade for Mindanao,” Peralta said.
Bolstering Mindanao as the logistics hub of the Philippines alongside the biggest names in mobility, delivery, and logistics is among the goals of this year’s Davao Investment Conference (Davao ICon).
Peralta said the positioning of Mindanao as a logistics hub in ASEAN can happen, however, current issues on the logistics front must first be addressed such as the unavailability of shipping containers, high shipping costs, and ensuring that the ease of doing business with port authorities must consistently be followed.
“If we are to be taken as a serious destination for trade,” he said.
On the other hand, in celebration of inclusivity and diversity, women leaders in logistics are convening for the final installment of the Davao ICon 2021 Innovation Series entitled “Mindanao as a Logistics Hub of ASEAN: First and Last Mile Logistics”.
The virtual event will be held on October 27, 2021, and will cover the opportunities present in Mindanao as it becomes the next logistics hub of the Philippines. It also aims to explore innovative solutions to speed up development led by female changemakers in the industry.
Meanwhile, Peralta announced that ECCP-SMBC and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Mindanao are spearheading the second leg of the East ASEAN Business Conference to highlight Mindanao as an investment and trade destination on October 28, 2021.
