4th Visayas Shipping Conference/Exhibit slated in Cebu on Feb 27

 CEBU CITY –Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Region VII in partnership with PortCalls will hold the 4^th Visayas Shipping Conference and Exhibit on February 27 at the City Sports Club, Ayala Business Park, Cebu City with the theme, “Visayas Trade Logistics: Navigating a Competitive Landscape.”

DTI-7 regional director Ma. Elena Arbon said that about 150 shipping and logistics executives, manufacturers, importers and exporters, traders, and investors are expected to attend, providing valuable networking opportunities.

“The conference aims to address key issues facing the logistics industry and to highlight the Visayas region as a leading Philippine hub for logistics, trade, and investment and that DTI-7 plays a central role in the discussions,” Arbon bared.

Arbon added that 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.

DTI Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco delivers a talk on “Driving Supply Chain Efficiency/New Rules in Forwarding,” that would provide insights into policy updates, regulatory changes, and strategies for optimizing supply chain operations in the country.

Representatives from other government agencies, including the Bureau of Customs presents the ongoing trade facilitation initiatives, while industry leaders provide recommendations for optimizing logistics operations in Central Visayas.

Arbon on the other hand will also 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.

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.

There is an accompanying exhibit to 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. also supports the event. (Photos: DTI7/FB)