Phl launches logistics facility in Oregon

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines has formally launched a logistics facility in Portland, Oregon following the awarding of logistics contract to Philippine company International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) in 2010, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported.

In a bid to further expand Philippine trade and investment relationships, Philippine trade officials met with Oregon’s Mayor Sam Adams, Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce in Oregon, and business leaders from the garments, green technology and medical sectors.

The Philippines has been among Oregon’s top 10 trading partner for several years now. The Philippines was the fourth largest buyer of Oregon goods in 2010 shipped by air and sea and tenth in terms of dollar value of Oregon shipments by sea. Transnational companies such as Intel have linked both countries in the semiconductor and electronics global supply chain by locating their research and development, manufacturing, retail and support service facilities in the Philippines.

In August this year, the 42 chapters of the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) with over 5,000 companies will hold a convention of Filipino American businesses and entrepreneurs to discuss business strategies in the US as well as sustainable practices.

Portland is the US’s 29th most populous cities and is referred to as one of the most environment-friendly or “green” cities in the world.

Industry data show that Portland is home to some 1,200 technology companies and is referred to as “Silicon Forest.” Global chip manufacturer Intel is Portland’s largest employer providing jobs for more than 14,000 residents. To date, technology companies have been migrating segments of their supply chain to other countries such as the Philippines, India, and China. These locations depend on each other, trading goods and materials to complete the merchandise.

The Port of Portland is also the third largest US port in the west coast and its marine terminals alone handle over 13 million tons of cargo per year.