Cebu to host 4th Visayas shipping confab on February 27

CEBU, Philippines — At least 150 shipping and logistics stakeholders from across the country will gather in Cebu for the upcoming 4th Visayas Shipping Conference and Exhibit on February 27, 2025, at the City Sports Club Cebu.

Bannering the theme “Visayas Trade Logistics: Navigating a Competitive Landscape,” the event is organized by PortCalls in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry Region 7 (DTI 7).

The one-day event will serve as a platform for stakeholders to discuss crucial issues shaping the logistics industry while highlighting the Visayas region as one of the Philippines’ premier logistics, trade, and investment hubs.

DTI Undersecretary for the Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG), 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 to optimize supply chain operations in the country.

DTI- 7 Regional Director Ma. Elena Arbon will present “Recommendations for Improving Trade Logistics in Central Visayas,” sharing findings from a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted in 2024 with logistics stakeholders in Cebu.

These FGDs engaged seven key industry sub-groups—including 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.

According to Arbon, DTI-7 will present data-driven insights and propose regional-level solutions to improve logistics efficiency, strengthen infrastructure connectivity, and enhance trade facilitation.

The conference will also feature discussions on 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 infrastructure projects in the Visayas.

Developments in Cebu’s seaports and airports will be highlighted, particularly in terms of how they are keeping pace with economic growth.

Meanwhile, 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.

Alongside the discussions, an exhibit will showcase innovative logistics solutions, featuring exhibitors such as e-KONEK Pilipinas Inc., RAF International Forwarding Phils., and Barkota. The Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, Inc. is also lending its support to the event.

According to Arbon, by co-hosting this conference, DTI 7 reinforces its commitment to strengthening the Visayas’ position as a logistics, trade, and investment hub.

“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,” Arbon said.

DTI 7’s partner, PortCalls Asia, is a news and events provider for the cargo transportation industry.