DTI 7, PortCalls to hold 4th Visayas Shipping Conference and Exhibit in Cebu
Cebu City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with PortCalls, will hold the 4th Visayas Shipping Conference and Exhibit at the City Sports Club on 27 February. This one-day event, themed “Visayas Trade Logistics: Navigating a Competitive Landscape,” will address key issues facing logistics industry and highlight the Visayas region as a leading Philippine hub for logistics, trade, and investment.
DTI Region 7 will play a central role in the discussions, with presentations by two of its top officials. DTI Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco will deliver a talk on “Driving Supply Chain Efficiency/New Rules in Forwarding,” providing insights into policy updates, regulatory changes, and strategies for optimizing supply chain operations in the country.
Meanwhile, DTI Regional Director Ma. Elena Arbon will present “Recommendations for Improving Trade Logistics in Central Visayas,” sharing findings from a series of 2024 focus group discussions (FGDs) with logistics stakeholders in Cebu.
These FGDs engaged seven key industry sub-groups—manufacturers, importers, logistics service providers, shipping operators, government agencies, and consumer groups—to identify challenges, formulate action plans, and validate solutions to enhance trade logistics in Central Visayas.
Director Arbon will present data-driven insights and propose regional solutions to improve logistics efficiency, strengthen infrastructure connectivity, and enhance trade facilitation.
“Through collaboration between the public and private sectors, the Department aims to address supply chain challenges, advance policies that foster economic growth, and promote a more competitive logistics environment in the region,” Director Arbon said.
The conference will also explore national and regional economic outlooks and their impact on trade logistics. Experts will share insights on market trends and forecasts for the logistics industry, as well as updates on Visayas infrastructure projects, with a focus on developments in Cebu’s sea and air ports and their capacity to support economic growth.
Representatives from other government agencies, including the Bureau of Customs, will present ongoing trade facilitation initiatives, while industry leaders will provide recommendations for optimizing logistics operations in Central Visayas.
An accompanying exhibit will showcase innovative logistics solutions from companies, such as e-KONEK Pilipinas Inc., RAF International Forwarding Phils., and Barkota. The Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, Inc. is also supporting the event.
At least 150 shipping and logistics executives, manufacturers, importers and exporters, traders, and investors are expected to attend, providing valuable networking opportunities.
For registration and further details, visit PortCalls here. (DTI 7/PR) ♦
Date of Release: 05 February 2025
