Philippines moves up in WB logistics performance

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines saw its ranking improve 11 places to 60th spot out of 160 countries in this year’s World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI).

The Philippines’ LPI score also increased to 2.9 this year compared to its 2.86 score in 2016.

The country’s higher ranking and LPI score were seen as it posted increases in four out of six indicators such as international shipment; tracking and tracing; infrastructure; and logistics competence.

For the rankings, an online survey was conducted from September last year until February this year involving logistics professionals from multinational freight forwarders and express carriers.

Germany topped the LPI for this year, followed by Sweden and Belgium, which got the second and third spots, respectively.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan got the 160th or last spot.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the latest index shows the government is now reaping the fruits of reforms being implemented.

“Guided by President Duterte’s mandate for a better and more comfortable life for our countrymen, we have developed a program to improve logistics services in the country to address related issues, foster more investments and generate more jobs,” he said.

Under the inclusive innovation-led industrial strategy of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the transport and logistics sector has been identified as one of the 12 industry priorities.

The agency has been active in promoting the sector to attract investments.

It has also started reforms to address reliability, high logistics cost, as well as customs procedures.

“The recent LPI score is proof that the Philippine government’s efforts to level up our logistics industry are now being acknowledged by global industry players. And while the quality of the country’s infrastructure facilitates faster and more efficient way of transporting goods through the Build, Build, Build program, government transactions are now being simplified and streamlined with the recent enactment of the Ease of Doing Business law,” DTI Undersecretary Rowel Barba said.

In the previous World Bank LPI released in 2016, the Philippines got the 71st spot.