AsiaRegulatory

Philippines cabotage changes pass first test

Manila: The Philippines senate has approved a bill which allows foreign vessels to call at multiple ports, provided the cargo being carried is for import or export.

Should it be approved in the house of representatives, the change will allow for the bypassing of local carriers for the transshipment cargo and free up space in the Port of Manila.

Senator Bam Aquino filed the bill in September last year, and expects it to promote trade in the Philippines. On the senate approve, Aquino commented: “This is our first step in our effort to further unlock the shipping industry. Let it grow and thrive, and make it as efficient as possible as we anticipate more trade, more economic activity, and real inclusive growth for the Filipino people.”

At present it is cheaper to send products from other countries to the Philippines than to ship goods within the country.

Grant Rowles

Grant spent nine years at Informa Group based in London, Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore. He gained strong management experience in publishing, conferences and awards schemes in the shipping and legal areas, working on a number of titles including Lloyd's List. In 2009 Grant joined Seatrade responsible for the commercial development of Seatrade’s Asia products. In 2012, with Sam Chambers, he co-founded Asia Shipping Media.
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