ICTSI supports waiver of Subic accreditation fee for logistics firms

Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), a unit of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), aired its support for the waiver of the US$200 accreditation fee by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for new logistics firms that will transact and do business at the Freeport.

SBITC lauded SBMA’s move allowing ship agents, freight forwarders, brokerage firms and truckers an “open window access for container port-related businesses” in the Subic Bay Freeport.

From October 18 to December 31, SBMA waived the US$200 accreditation fee for the first 80 new business entrants and the first 20 accredited entities due for renewal provided that these firms guarantee to bring in at least one container within one month from filing of application or renewal of SBMA’s accreditation certificate.

“We support and laud this SBMA initiative of waiving the Freeport’s accreditation fee. Not only will this foster brisk business in Subic, it will further position Subic as a key logistics hub in the country with new logistics firms expected to hold their offices and operations in the Freeport,” said SBITC General Manager Robert R. Locsin.

He added that, “on our end, we assure SBMA and the Subic logistics firms — existing, new and upcoming — of ICTSI’s brand of world-class operations and services at the New Container Terminals (NCT) 1 and 2, including our new container freight station (CFS) facility. You have an international trading gateway that has access to global markets.”

SBMA chairperson and administrator Atty. Wilma T. Eisma issued the waiver to showcase and broaden industry awareness on the use of the Freeport’s container terminals, including the terminals’ increase in container traffic and port utilization.

The move is also seen to support the Port of Manila by easing container flow and road traffic in and around Manila’s port areas.

The accreditation fee holiday is also in line with Atty. Eisma’s 10-point agenda that would further small and medium enterprises, including supply chain businesses, in the Freeport, and as SBMA’s contribution in the promotion of inclusive business.

“We are one with Atty. Eisma in the promotion of inclusive business strategies in Subic. We need to provide added value to stakeholders and businesses in the supply chain by assuring them that Subic is the best place to do business,” said Locsin.

He noted that, “we have an efficient, world class port, faster processing times with our one-stop-shop, a CFS inside the terminal to assist a seamless supply chain, the latest in port technology, and innovations in the nation's port system.”

“Our efforts will have a direct impact on Subic, and even on the national economy: Market competitiveness and profitability for enterprises, more jobs and lower costs of goods for the consumer,” said Locsin.