Clark-Subic port automation

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga: Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President Benny Ricafort said Thursday that the signing of the memorandum of agreement and joint memorandum order on Automated Transit and Admission Declaration Cargo for Subic and Clark Freeport zones would benefit both investors and the government.

Ricafort said the automation was a dream come true since it would facilitate the free flowing of goods based on international standards that would prevent smuggling and corruption.

Ricafort also noted that the automation was part of President Gloria Arroyos vision to make the two freeports as mega logistics hub in the Asia Pacific region.

Director Filas Chen of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office said now is the best time to attract more Taiwanese investors, adding Taiwan is ranked third among the countrys top investors after placing sixth two years ago.

The project aims to provide a more secure and reliable system for preventing smuggling and protecting government revenue, CDC officials said.

The automation is also directed to support audit-based risk management system for ensuring that transit foreign merchandise are safely conducted in a timely manner from the port of discharge to the Freeport zones.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand Arreza said investors want to see that their goods are being handled in a timely manner.

This is the kind of service that they really expect and we want all procedures to be world-class, he added.

For his part, Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales said the automation would be implemented immediately and expected to enhance revenue collection.

The SBMA, CDC, and the Subic-Clark and Alliance for Development Council headed by Edgardo Pamintuan have agreed to establish the economic corridor that aims to integrate the two freeports and the Taiwan Export Processing Zones into one seamless economic zone. --Joey Aguilar - Manila Times