PCCI eyes new Ro-Ro route to China, Vietnam

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is looking at introducing new routes for roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel in a bid to promote greater connectivity in the Southeast Asian region, an official said.

In a press conference, PCCI vice chairman Donald Dee said the group, along with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) are looking for other routes for the Philippine Ro-Ro vessel.

“We are looking at having one from Batangas which will go to China and then Vietnam,” he said.

He said they have just started discussions with counterparts in China for the proposed route.

Based on the discussions, he said counterparts in China are open to the idea of establishing a new route.

The addition of a new route is expected to help increase trade among businesses from the three countries.

Dee said the country’s first Ro-Ro vessel to the ASEAN started sailing in April.

The Ro-Ro vessel’s first established route is from Davao City to Bitung in Indonesia.

The project was made possible with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between Davao City and Manado Chambers of Commerce and Industry in November last year.

The PCCI and ABAC have been pushing for the project as it is seen as an important milestone in the implementation of the region’s economic community.

The project is not only expected to lead to greater trade and investments but also to improve connectivity within the region.

Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said earlier that the government is giving its full support to the project given the expected benefits to the economy.