24 July 2014 - The Indonesian Ministry of Trade officially released its updated regulations (via Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 36/M-DAG/PER/7/2014) on July 3 of allowing the entry of three classes of goods into Bitung Port: Food and Beverages; Electronics; and Garments due to the longstanding efforts of the Philippine Consulate General in Manado and local government and private sector stakeholders. Previously, international shipments of said goods, including from the Philippines, were barred from entry into Bitung Port.

The said regulation identifies Bitung Port as one of the International Gateway Ports of Indonesia, allowing for more liberal import/export policies and regulations and more active trade in international goods, including goods from Southern Philippines.

The liberalization of trade and reclassification of Bitung Port as an International Entry Port in Eastern Indonesia is a longstanding advocacy of Philippine Consul General Jose D.R. Burgos and the Philippine Consulate General in Manado, as it is anticipated to result in an expansion of trade and transshipment activities between North Sulawesi and Southern Philippines, in particular Davao and General Santos Cities. This development is also vital for the long-term sustainability of the upcoming Davao-Manado-Davao Shipping Service by Indonesian-based shipping company PT. Kanaka Lines, tentatively scheduled for launch in the third quarter of 2014. END