INCLUSIVE GROWTH ACROSS the Visayas is not just on the drawing board, it is for certain.
Marking a pivotal stride in advancing regional economic cooperation, the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Cebu sealed a partnership pact with the Government of Norway to speed up growth across the Visayas during the Philippines-Norway Partnership Forum: Navigating EFTA and Future Collaborations in the Visayas. This was held recently at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City.
Atty. Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera, Customs District Collector, was among the panelists in the high-level dialogue, joining Norway Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster, and Lucio Roger Lim, Jr., chairman of the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association.
‘For the Visayas, this means local products, our seafoods, our innovations, our heritage can compete on a global stage. It means our ports are no longer just points of entry, but platforms of empowerment.’
Hosted by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the event brought together government officials, business leaders, and regional stakeholders to explore how the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) agreement can unlock lasting partnerships and inclusive growth across the Visayas.
In his address, De Vera highlighted the BOC’s official directive that operationalizes the Free Trade Agreement between the EFTA and the Philippines.
READY TO LEAD
The bureau memorandum, CMO No. 14-2018, is a policy blueprint for opportunity ensuring that goods originating from EFTA member-states can enter the country with preferential treatment while providing our exporters access to high-value European markets with greater ease, transparency, and efficiency.
De Vera said: “For the Visayas, this means local products, our seafoods, our innovations, our heritage can compete on a global stage. It means our ports are no longer just points of entry, but platforms of empowerment. It means Cebu is ready to lead. This is more than facilitating trade. It is building trust with our global partners, creating jobs at home, and ensuring that no region is left behind in the promise of prosperity.”
REGIONAL INTEGRATION
The forum was a testament to how strategic collaboration and forward-thinking customs practices can accelerate regional integration. Panel discussions explored key sectors including maritime development, sustainable trade, logistics, and creative industries. These are areas where the Visayas holds immense potential to partner with Norway and the broader EFTA bloc.
With the guidance from Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, De Vera affirmed that the Port of Cebu remains committed to building bridges beyond borders, supporting sustainable trade, and unlocking new opportunities for the Visayas in a rapidly evolving global economy.
