Davao-Gen. San-Bitung, Indonesia Ro-Ro to open next year, says DOTr

The Philippines is leading the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) roll-on roll-off connectivity by opening a route that connects the country to neighbor Indonesia.
 
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Cherrie Mercado told reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting on Friday the Philippines-Indonesia Ro-Ro route is expected to start operating in April 2017.
 
“When it comes to the ASEAN Ro-Ro, one of the things we are looking forward to is the opening of the Davao-Gen. Santos-Bitung City, Indonesia route,” she added.
 
“This is already being planned and we are now looking for possible investors, possible rules and regulations, and the lifting of trade limitations to actualize that route. And that’s being eyed for next year,” Mercado noted.
 
As both are archipelagos, the Philippines and Indonesia share the same challenges when it comes to maritime connectivity.
 
“That’s why we are looking forward to the ASEAN Ro-Ro, because that will connect us,” Mercado said.

For his part, DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Felipe Judan said the Ro-Ro project will enhance connectivity among ASEAN member countries.

The 10-member ASEAN encompasses Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. — VDS, GMA News