SBMA, Belgium eye sister port pact

A sister port agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is being considered during the visit of delegates from the Embassy of Belgium to the Philippines here on March 16, 2026.

Belgian Ambassador Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova paid a visit along with officials from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), the consultancy and investment subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

During their visit, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) team, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, proposed a Sister Port Agreement between the two ports to enhance the traditional friendship between the SBMA and the PoABI.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the largest petrochemical cluster in Europe and the second-largest in the world; it is also the largest car-handling port in Europe, handling more than 3 million cars per year. It has two oil refineries and is a frontrunner in the energy transition.

The port is also a driver of economic growth with 4.5% GDP contribution and a total annual throughput of +370 million tonnes, including +13 million TEUs.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport has several locators with European Equity, including Agila NY Naval Inc. and Agila South Inc. from the Netherlands, with a combined investment commitment of US$350 million.

Other notable companies inside the Freeport with EU Equities include PMNFTC Inc. from Switzerland with US$7M committed investment; Luxury Subic Home Development Corp. from Belarus with US$1M committed investment; and Schenker Philippines Inc. from Germany with US$0.9M committed investment. (MPD-SBMA)

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EU Ambassadors to the Ph explore SBF for trade opportunities and employment generation

Ambassadors of member-states of the European Union recently visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to look into its potential as a growth area for more trade and investments, as well as a prospective site for the creation of future job opportunities for the residents of its neighboring towns and provinces.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman & Administrator Rolen C. Paulino led officials in welcoming the EU Ambassadors to Subic Bay Thursday (February 2) as part of the delegation's official visit to the Philippines.

“As we all are getting out of pandemic restrictions, the SBMA has become eager to fulfill its mandate to attract investments and create employment, and bounce back from the losses we obtained during the pandemic,” Paulino said.

“Knowing that our country has excellent ties with EU member countries, this visit from our European friends is very much a welcome gesture. I am highly confident with my team, and I am proud that I am now part of their team,” he added, encouraging the delegates to make it happen in the Philippines, better yet, make it happen in Subic Bay Freeport.

Back in 2019, the EU became the country’s fourth largest trading partner, while the Philippines was EU’s sixth largest trading partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The EU delegation headed by HE Luc Véron came in Subic from Clark. A working lunch ensued while the SBMA team gives a briefing on the business climate in Subic Bay Freeport as a strategic location, its milestones, as well as its future plans.

Ambassador Véron has served as EU career official for over 30 years, joining the European Commission since 1989. During his stint in the Union, he witnessed its growth from 12 members to now 27 nations.

The delegation was also given a guided tour of the viable locations for various types of businesses, including a tour of the former Hanjin facility where Agila Subic will rise.

Meanwhile, in August 2022, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega brought Australian business owners to Subic for the same purpose and to be apprised with experiences from current businessmen who have located here. (SNL/MPD-SBMA)

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