PPA moves to streamline operations

The Philippine Ports Authority wants to cut red tape and streamline operations as it signed Wednesday a capacity building agreement with the Port of Antwerp International (PAI) and Apec-Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center.

The PPA said the memorandum of understanding was part of the PAI and Apec’s ongoing assistance in the areas of logistics, supply chain management and ports planning.

“This agreement will definitely give us the edge to further simplify and reduce the complexities in our overall supply chain considering that it is a challenge for a country of more than 7,000 islands,” PPA general manager Jay Santiago said in a statement.

“This is also in line with the thrust of the current administration in streamlining government processes to trim down the cost of doing business in the Philippines through faster delivery of government services,” he added.

PPA said the MOU paved the way for the establishment of a technical cooperation between the signing parties.

The aim was to enhance the skills, abilities and knowledge in the management and operation of ports “thereby creating an environment of well-trained, knowledgeable and able port professionals.”

“With the dream of the Philippines to become a shipping super hub to compete with the likes of Hong Kong, Singapore, this MOU put the country a step closer in achieving that dream,” he said.