SOME 150 shipping and logistics executives, manufacturers, importers and exporters, traders and investors are to attend the 4th Visayas Shipping Conference and Exhibition on February 27 at the Cebu City Sports Club, reports the Philippines Star.

The event, spearheaded by the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) alongside PortCalls, is expected to address key issues facing logistics industry and highlight the Visayas region as a leading Philippine hub for logistics, trade, and investment.

The one-day event will carry the theme Visayas Trade Logistics: Navigating a Competitive Landscape.

National and regional economic outlooks and their impact on trade logistics are also expected to be discussed with experts sharing insights on market trends and forecasts for the logistics industry, as well as updates on Visayas infrastructure projects, with a focus on developments in Cebu sea and airports and their capacity to support economic growth.

DTI Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco will discuss Driving Supply Chain Efficiency/New Rules in Forwarding and provide insights into policy updates, regulatory changes, and strategies for optimising supply chain operations in the country.

DTI Regional Director Elena Arbon will present recommendations for improving trade logistics in Central Visayas based on the findings from a series of 2024 focus group discussions (FGDs) with logistics stakeholders in Cebu.