The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is pushing for the full and efficient utilization of Batangas Port not just as a transshipment hub but also as a port that can directly ship cargoes to international destinations at the least possible time.
In a forum held in Batangas City recently, DTI CALABARZON director Marilou Toledo cited the possibility of having a direct shipment from Batangas Port to Japan once the volume requirement is met, shortening the transit time.
The forum tackled issues that hinder industries, exporters, importers, and other stakeholders from utilizing the port fully,
“DTI would like manufacturers and exporters here in CALABARZON to further grow and develop by being efficient and cost effective in their logistics and transportation cost in bringing their goods to their intended market,” Toledo said.
DTI cited the need to promote the competitive advantages of using the Batangas International Port for cargoes (inbound/outbound).
Jel Yulo, marketing manager of Asian Terminals Inc., operator of Batangas port, in a presentation enumerated the advantages to Southern Luzon exporters and manufacturers of using the Batangas Port: improved cash flow; maximized free time of shipping lines; lesser storage cost versus port charges; lesser trucking cost; and shorter delivery call-in lead time.
Some of the recent developments in the port are the ongoing civil works on crane rails, berth connectivity, yard rehabilitation, and expanded container yard.
Yulo said ATI released its first mobile application Mobile Port or MPort–designed in its first stage to bring information on client’s transaction by giving real-time data.
Around 100 participants from shipping lines such as Sealand Maersk, CMA-CGM, Evergreen Shipping, COSCO Shipping, and Wan Hai Lines, ecozone associations from the electronics, automotive, and metals sectors, manufacturers from coco-based and food sector, and government agencies like the Philippine Ports Authority, Bureau of Customs and the National Economic Development Authority attended the forum.
