New BOC district collector meets with port stakeholders

CEBU, Philippines — Newly-assumed Bureau of Customs-Cebu district collector Romeo Allan Rosales has met with a number of port stakeholders since he assumed the post early this month.

Rosales recently met with the representatives of KEPCO-SPC Power Corporation, wherein they aimed to address key issues related to customs procedures and regulations, as well as to ensure smooth operations by complying with all pertinent laws.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of partnerships in promoting trade facilitation and efficient customs processes.

Rosales further emphasized the commitment of BOC-Cebu in providing full support and assistance to KEPCO-SPC to ensure the fast clearance of their imports and exports.

Rosales has also met top management of the Oriental Port & Allied Services Corporation (OPASCOR), a workers’-owned and operated Filipino company, that plays a vital role in providing port services to vessels calling at the Cebu International Port (CIP).

Rosales met with the OPASCOR group led by Chairman Atty. Tomas Riveral to foster stronger collaboration between both organizations in ensuring smooth, efficient, and secure movement of goods at the CIP.

According to the bureau in their Facebook page, their discussions are "centered on streamlining processes to expedite cargo releases while maintaining strict adherence to existing customs regulations, enhance security by collaborating on measures to further strengthen port security and prevent the entry of illegal goods, as well as the promotion of trade facilitation, highlighting the importance of open communication and transparency in fostering a business-friendly environment for Cebu’s import and export activities."

Rosales has also sat down with representatives from Virginia Foods Inc. (VFI), as well as Orient Freight International Inc.

Further, Rosales has discussed with officials of the Association of International Shipping Lines, Inc. (AISL), led by the Chairman of the Port Operators Committee - Cebu, Rene Ledesma, the ways to continue their collaboration and foster a strong partnership that facilitates an efficient maritime trade sector in Cebu.

Moreover, Rosales met with the officials of  Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. - Cebu Chapter (CCBI – Cebu) in order to foster closer ties between both organizations and enhance cooperation and collaboration in trade facilitation.

"We value the contributions of the Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. - Cebu Chapter in our shared goal of promoting trade facilitation and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. Together, we can work towards streamlining processes and enhancing the ease of doing business at the Port of Cebu,” said Rosales.

The district collector underscored the importance of working with the stakeholders to cultivate an environment conducive to trade facilitation and ensuring the seamless flow of goods across borders.

He added said that BOC-Cebu is committed to providing a business-friendly environment that fosters the growth of trade in Cebu and they value their partnership with the private sector. (CEBU NEWS)