RP's cargo handler may be located in Clark, Subic

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Asian Terminals Incorporated (ATI), a world-class cargo handler in the Philippines, is looking into the possibility of locating in the Subic-Clark Corridor, which is being pump primed into a megalogistics and supply chain center.

"Our intention is to grow in the Philippines. There are a lot of opportunities," ATI executive vice president Suhail Al-Banna told Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council and some Clark and Subic officials.

"We are looking for opportunities in the Far East," said Al-Banna.

ATI currently operates in Batangas South Harbor, Mariveles in Bataan, and General Santos City. It is also affiliated with the Dubai Ports World, which is handling most of its international cargo.

Al-Banna arrived at the Clark airport where Clark International Airport Corporation (Ciac) vice president for finance Romeo Dyoco briefed him about the current development at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). He came along with representatives of ATI's affiliates -- Noel Gulliver of Jafza International and Philip Atkinson of Limitless.

Jafza is into the development of logistics and supply chain hubs while Limitless is into the development of cities.

"We are bringing a lot of knowledge and expertise in cargo handling," said Al-Banna noting that the Dubai Ports World is the fourth leading logistics provider in the world.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo envisioned the development of a megalogistics and supply chain hub in the Subic-Clark Corridor, with Clark as the site of an international airport and Subic as the site of a deep-sea port.

Subic Freeport Zone and Clark Freeport Zone will be interconnected by the 90-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

Logistics experts said the area in the Subic-Clark Corridor is suited for the development of Central Distribution Centers (CDCs) or temporary warehouses where goods can be stored with value-added activity. (RGN- SunStar)