Subic to host INAP conference in October
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT: The country’s premier freeport will again host the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) General Assembly and Symposium in October.
This came after INAP and Port of Kochi officials led by Chief Takanori Asahi paid a courtesy visit on Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño.
Aliño said that the agency and INAP are discussing plans of holding the conference here anchored on environmental maritime protection and disaster preparedness.
“As one of the founding members of INAP, it will be our honor to host this year’s assembly and welcome old and new faces to our shores. We endeavor to showcase not only our port and maritime facilities, but more importantly, to extend our famous hospitality, culture and friendship,” Aliño said.
He said that discussions on environmental maritime protection and disaster preparedness would benefit all members.
INAP members include the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka, Port of Dangjin and Mokpo New Port in South Korea, Port of Kochi in Japan, Port of Qingdao in China, Port of Tanjung Perak in Indonesia, Port of Chittagong in Bangladesh, and Port of Subic Bay, Port of Cebu, and Port of Davao (Philippine Ports Authority) in the Philippines.
SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao delegated Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Martin Kristoffer Roman to take the lead in organizing the symposium, including the approval of theme and program itinerary.
He added that the two-day symposium will be held tentatively on October 23 and 24.
Aliño said that it has been ten years since the SBMA hosted the INAP General Assembly and
Symposium.
“The last time Subic Bay Freeport hosted INAP was in November of 2014 wherein more than 200 invited guests from the maritime industry attended the conference. Hopefully, more guests will arrive to take part in the general assembly,” Aliño said.
INAP was founded in 1998 to promote cooperation and information exchange among affiliated ports, enhancing the port network, integrating individual affiliates, exchanging information on port development, and strengthening economic and cultural relationships.