Malaysian investors are eyeing business opportunities in ports, especially in Palawan, to boost connectivity in the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), according to the Malaysian trade office.
A news statement released on Monday by the Malaysian Trade Office in Manila (Matrade), the Labuan Liberty Port Management Sdn. Bhd., the port operator of Labuan port on Malaysia, has been in talks with local government units in Davao del sur and Palawan to possibly engage in port development and management in the area.
“We want to establish linkages and strengthen relations we have with the Philippines and explore business together,” Matrade Manila Trade Commissioner Nyaee Ayup said.
Labuan Liberty Port Chairman and CEO Dato’ Sri Mohd Alias Haji Abd Rahman said they are targeting to open a linkage with Labuan port from Puerto Princesa, to serve as a gateway with BIMP.
“We’re in the proposal and discussion stage. We’re a management team and we will find a joint-venture partner for this project. What we’re looking at were port facilities, cargo and vessel,” Rahman said.
Rahman added that both ports in Puerto Princesa and in Labuan can work together to increase two-way trade between the gateways.
Palawan is rich in agriculture and livestock products that can be shipped Labuan while Malaysia offers manufactured goods for consumers in Palawan.
Labuan Liberty Port is the only commercial port in the Federal Territory of Labuan.
Catherine N. Pillas