At this year's conference to be held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), representatives of each of the seven member-ports are expected to present and discuss current and future developments in their respective areas.
On the other hand, port-related topics will be 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 will also pave 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.
He noted that Subic is all ready to host the three-day activity that is expected to fortify cooperation among member ports to promote competitiveness and productivity.
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 will be arriving in Subic for the three-day assembly, with the Port of Kochi (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, will officially be accepted as the eighth member during the assembly and make its own presentation. The mayor of Dangjin City is expected to head the delegation to Subic.
During the assembly, officials from the Port of Subic will also have 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 this would be a milestone for the Port of Subic.
While in Subic, delegates and representatives will be 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. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)
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