INAP members vow greater cooperation in Subic assembly
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT— Regional port innovations for mutual opportunities and cooperation were the main focus for members of the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) when they met at the Port of Subic for the 16th General Assembly and Symposium on November 11-13.
At this year’s conference held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), representatives of each of the seven member-ports presented and discussed current and future developments in their respective areas.
On the other hand, port-related topics were discussed by invited speakers, such as Green Port Initiative by Luis Cuison, manager of the Port of Puerto Princesa; Port Security by Roland Recomono, administrator of the Office of Transport Security-DOTC; and Lessons on Coastal Disasters by Ryuichi Kuwajima of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The conference also paved the way for Chairman Roberto Garcia of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which manages the Port of Subic, to officially accept the INAP chairmanship for 2014, replacing Governor Masanao Ozaki of the Kochi Prefecture Government in Japan.
“We are honored to accept the chairmanship of INAP and host this very important conference of heads of ports in the region for the third time,” Garcia said.
INAP was formed in 1998 with the primary objective of enhancing the port network, integrating individual affiliates, exchanging information on port development, and strengthening economic and cultural relationships.
Upon entering INAP, new members are required to establish a sister-port or -city relationship with any of the members.
At this year’s conference, a total of 83 delegates from all member ports arrived in Subic for the three-day assembly, with the Port of Koichi (Japan) sending the biggest delegation.
Other member-ports include Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka; Mokpo New Port, South Korea; Port of Tanjung Perak, Indonesia; Port of Qingdao, China, and the Port of Subic and Port of Cebu in the Philippines.
The newest entry to the INAP roster, the Port of Dangjin in South Korean, was officially accepted as the eighth member during the assembly and made its own presentation. The mayor of Dangjin City headed the delegation to Subic.
During the assembly, officials from the Port of Subic also had the opportunity to promote the area as an investment destination during the scheduled two break-out business sessions with the Port of Mokpo and the Port of Kochi. SBMA officials said it was a milestone for the Port of Subic.
While in Subic, delegates and representatives were treated by the SBMA to a tour of the Freeport, a welcome dinner at the Light House Marina Resort, and a farewell dinner at the Subic Bay Yacht Club.