Trade and Investment Facilitation

Photo credit: Bureau of Customs, Philippines.

Breaking Down Barriers in the Logistics Industry in the Philippines

March 31, 2021

An OECD report recommends measures to enhance competition and market entry in the logistics sector for freight transport, freight forwarding, and value-added services.

Coron Island is known for World War II-era wreck diving, crystal-blue Kayangan Lake, and Barracuda Lake, a divers’ paradise. Photo credit: iStock/faizzaki.

Opening of Three Ports in Palawan to Boost Tourism, Trade

March 19, 2021

Two ports serve as gateways to two major tourist destinations in the Philippines, El Nido and Coron, while the third port is in Bataraza on the southernmost tip of Palawan.

Social distancing and other safety measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 made cross-border freight operations more costly or time consuming. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

ASEAN States Agree on COVID-19 Recovery Guidelines for Road Freight

February 24, 2021

Recommended measures focus on transport workers’ safety and training, ensuring connectivity for supply chains, and building back better.

A priority of BIMP-EAGA is to improve transport connectivity in the subregion to spur development in remote and less developed areas. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Restoring Air and Sea Links, Fast Internet Top Business Wish List for 2021

February 24, 2021

Better connectivity seen to improve the chances of BIMP-EAGA SMEs to recover from COVID-19.

Stock photo of Sepanggar Bay Container Port. Photo credit: iStock/yusnizam.

Sepanggar Port Slated to Become a BIMP-EAGA Hub

February 18, 2021

A 1.03-billion-ringgit project will upgrade port facilities and equipment and double the container terminal’s capacity by 2024.

Measures being discussed include the One Borneo Quarantine Initiative, joint border surveillance and inspection, as well as pandemic mitigation, preparedness, and response protocols.

Here’s How BIMP-EAGA Is Boosting Health Security at the Border

February 10, 2021

Joint efforts to fortify health security include the One Borneo Quarantine Initiative, a proposed pandemic plan, and other improvements in CIQS.

BIMP-EAGA businessmen are eager to revive connectivity between Manado and Davao to spur trade and investment in the two cities. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Businessmen Call for Resumption of Air and Sea Links between Manado and Davao

January 08, 2021

Jakarta-based Sriwijaya Air and Manila-based shipping operator Reefer Express Line Filipinas, Inc. eyed to serve the BIMP-EAGA route.

Thai Shipping Line Links Southern Philippine Traders to Asia, Middle East Markets

January 08, 2021

Regional Container Line (RCL) connects the Visayas and Mindanao regions of the Philippines to its transshipment hub in Singapore, improving access to other Southeast Asian markets and beyond.

Online Customs Transit System Enables Seamless Trade in ASEAN

December 15, 2020

The ASEAN Customs Transit System will help fast-track medical supplies that are vital in the fight against COVID-19.

The MOU covers the ASEAN List of Essential Goods, which covers mostly medicines and medical supplies and also includes soaps, disinfectants, and face masks. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

ASEAN Removes Trade Barriers on Medicines and Other Essential Goods

November 23, 2020

Ten countries in Southeast Asia are removing restrictions on intraregional trade of medicines and other goods needed to fight COVID-19.