ECCP seeks timely implementation of maritime industry plan
The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) has called for the timely implementation of the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP), which identify priority programs to be implemented till 2028 to develop and make the Philippines maritime sector globally competitive.
The ECCP issued the statement as it welcomed the country’s improved ranking in the latest World Bank report, which puts the Philippines on the 43rd spot out of 139 countries in terms of Logistics Performance Index (LPI). Based on the report, the Philippines has moved up 17 places.
“The Chamber further supports measures that will aid logistical efficiency as well as customs and trade facilitation,” the ECCP said in a statement. In an increasingly globalized world, ECCP said, seamless and sustainable trade is essential.
ECCP said the country’s global logistics ranking can be further improved by timely implementing the 10-year MIDP. Other measures include fully operationalizing the National Single Window (NSW) and integrating it with the ASEAN Single Window (ASW); upholding the International Commerce Terminology (INCOTerms); and officially clarifying the lead government agency responsible for matter relating to shipping rates and port congestion.
The establishment of MIDP, the Marina (Maritime Industry Authority) envisions to accelerate and expand domestic shipping services that shall render the country’s economic environment more conducive for flourishing of businesses, influx of investments and facilitation of trade within the country; build modern and seaworthy ships through a globally competitive ship building, ship repair and ship breaking industry; and promote and develop the Philippines as human resource capital for ship management and other maritime services.
The MIDP features ten priority programs to be implemented till 2028.
The first program is the upgrading of domestic shipping in support of the Philippine Nautical Highway Development.
The second program is on the development of shipping services for tourist destination areas, and third is the development of coastal and inland waterways transport (CIWT) system.
The third program calls for the strengthening the safety standards of Philippine-Registered Fishing Vessels, and fifth is development of a global maritime hub.
The remaining programs are enhancement of maritime safety in the Philippines; enhancement of maritime transport security in the Philippines; maritime innovation and knowledge center; development of competitive and highly skilled Filipino maritime professionals; and implementation of the Philippine strategy on maritime environment protection