THE Philippines and Brunei are exploring further use of ports under the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) to expand trade between the two countries. This was discussed in last week’s state visit by President Benigno Aquino III to Brunei.
Based on the meeting between President Aquino and officials of the Brunei Economic Development Board, the Philippines and Brunei will look for ways to build more transshipment traffic in the BIMP-EAGA region.
The Philippines’ largest port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc operates Brunei’s Muara Container Terminal.
Recently, member economies of BIMP-EAGA harmonized customs, immigration, quarantine and security procedures in the area. BIMP-EAGA ports are also looking at adopting uniform vessel and port charges and attracting more shipping services.
