ILOILO CITY – Mayor Jerry P. Treñas here is confident that the modernization of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex in this city will pave the way for larger exportation of products from Western Visayas.
THE Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) in Iloilo City. (PPA)
“Hopefully, we can come up with export quality products which we can send abroad like dried mangoes and pineapple and other agri-based products,” said Treñas.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) awarded a 25-year contract to International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) owned by businessman Enrique Razon to develop and operate the ICPC.
The mayor said that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-6 and Department of Agriculture (DA)-6 can come up with a list of other potential products.
The Iloilo City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO) is eyeing to invite local economic development officers of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental provinces to plan these products.
"We can push the products of each province. Once the port’s modernization is complete, they have already developed their respective export products,” said Treñas.
“The advantage is, there will be lesser shipment cost considering ships no longer have cargoes when returning to their respective origin,” added Treñas.