Subic Bay Freeport— Once again, the country’s premier Freeport, will be hosting the INAP General Assembly and Symposium 2024 this October.
This came after the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) and Port of Kochi officials led by Chief Takanori Asai paid a courtesy visit to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.
Aliño said that the agency and INAP are already 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 cited that environmental maritime protection and disaster preparedness is a very timely topic to discuss, adding that a shared discussion between the ports on these topics 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 Atty. 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, which will commence with the general assembly on the first day and a day tour around Subic Bay Freeport.
Chairman Aliño said that it has been ten years since the SBMA hosted the INAP General Assembly and Symposium, and that it would be beneficial to the delegates to see the new facilities and developments in the Port of Subic.
“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.
Founded in 1998, INAP was formed 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.