Phl-Indonesia RoRo connection mulled

CEBU, Philippines - Sea-based transportation is being eyed between the Philippines and Indonesia in hope to increase business cooperation and people-to-people contact.

First Secretary Erna Herlina of the Indonesian Embassy said steps have been taken especially in the area of enhancing sea connectivity.

A roll-on roll-off service is planned to connect the two nations through the Davao-General Santos (Philippines)-Bitung (Indonesia) route which, she said, is being worked out by the embassy's consul general in Davao.

The official emphasized Cebu’s bright prospects for trade and people connection if more direct air travels connect the province to the Muslim country.

But she said collaboration in the tourism sector and investment activities should first be boosted to encourage airline companies to offer more direct flights.

"There should be potential markets (for increased air connection)," she told The FREEMAN. "There should be increasing visits among the two countries whether for business or tourism."

Border matters

The two ASEAN nations signed last May this year a maritime agreement for the delimitation of the two's conflicting exclusive economic zones in Mindanao, Philippine and Celebes seas.

The agreement on border matters is expected to offer opportunities for economic cooperation and increased trade value and strengthen both nations' maritime security.

In addition, Herlina also shared a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation meeting is done every two years alongside with the establishment of Indonesia-Philippines Plan of Action 2014-2016.

The said plan seeks to promote two-way cooperation in trade, investment and other areas of economic cooperation amid the 2015 regional integration which poses competition and collaboration among ASEAN members.

She also urged Philippine firms to explore partnership with Indonesian companies particularly in industries such as agriculture (cacao, coffee and palm oil), fisheries (tuna canning), minerals (coal and liquefied natural gas), food and beverage (instant coffee, instant noodle, electronics and transportation equipment.  (FREEMAN)