The Philippines strengthens ties with the Port of Algeciras, whose traffic grows by 27%, consolidating it as its second Asian partner.

 

The Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA) hosted an important working meeting with representatives from the Embassy of the Philippines in Spain . The Asian delegation was headed by the Consul General, Mark Francis Hamoy , accompanied by the Commercial Counselor, Althea Karen Antonio , and the Attaché, Carlos J. Barcelon . They were received by the President of the APBA, Gerardo Landaluce , the President of the Port Community (COMPORT), José Manuel Tejedor , and Paola Castro , Head of Market Development in Asia for Andalucía Trade, the organization that coordinated the visit. Following the meeting, the Philippine delegation toured the main facilities of the Port.

 

Growth Driven by Strategic Exchange

 

The president of the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA), Gerardo Landaluce , highlighted the excellent performance of import and export traffic between the two countries. According to Landaluce, these flows have increased by 27% this year , making the Philippines the second largest Asian market for the Port of Algeciras, second only to China.

 

The composition of the trade balance is varied and strategic. The Philippines uses the port of Algeciras to ship automotive components and plastic products , among other goods, to Europe. For its part, Spain exports high-value products such as Jerez brandy , olive oil , and pork to the archipelago from the Strait of Gibraltar . This arrangement maintains a positive trade balance for Spain.

 

Despite these encouraging figures, the sector acknowledges that there is potential for further growth. COMPORT President José Manuel Tejedor noted that: “There is considerable room for improvement, something the port companies are working on with the aim of increasing connectivity between Algeciras and the Philippines.”

 

Currently, this connectivity is guaranteed through four shipping lines , with a transit time starting from 34 days via Singapore or Kaohsiung (Taiwan).

 

Continuity of a Strategic Relationship

 

This visit continues the bilateral work that began exactly one year ago with the Port of Algeciras' first Trade Mission to the Philippines . That mission's primary objective was to strengthen trade relations , and it has been followed by several meetings in Madrid, notably participation in the 11th Business Forum , demonstrating the mutual commitment to boosting business and the internationalization of both economies.