Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) highlighted the role of transportation infrastructure in promoting the country’s economic growth through the efficient movement of products and services as well as the creation of job opportunities.
During the Transport and Logistics Forum at the World Trade Center on Thursday, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs Hector Villacorta emphasized the need to address gaps in transportation infrastructure and to provide long-term outlook for the transport sector.
‘The transportation sector is at the forefront of economic growth by efficiently moving essential services across and between islands and nations… These infrastructure investments will create job opportunities towards increase in business productivity and operations,’ Villacorta said.
Efficient functioning of transport systems, he said, translates into a ‘well-oiled logistics system, and thus increase competitiveness of private business, while lowering cost of moving people and
goods.’
During the event, he also highlighted notable projects of the DOTr in the sectors of aviation, road transport, maritime, and railway such as the recently-turned over Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the New Cebu International Container Port.
These infrastructure investments, particularly in aviation and maritime transport, ensure inter-island movement of supply chains an boosts regional economic activity and connectivity.
‘These infrastructure investments will create job opportunities towards increase in business productivity and operations,’ Villacorta said.
The two-day forum was organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and aims to serve as a comprehensive platform for engaging leading stakeholders in the transport an infrastructure sectors.
Source: Philippines News agency