Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Mary Jean Pachero during the Visayas Shipping Conference 2025 on Feb. 27, 2025 in Cebu City. (PIA7)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) – The logistics sector in Central Visayas showed the fastest growth among the regions in the country in 2024.
According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco, the region logged the fastest growth in terms of logistics and trade at 23 percent.
“The national average growth for transport and storage is 13 percent. But in Central Visayas, it’s 23 percent.. The growth in this significant region is quite significant and very relevant. In business, that is a growth potential,” said Pacheco.
She said the transport and logistics sector is a growing sector in the country.
“The transport and logistics sector is significant to the economy because transport and storage is the fastest contributor as it is interconnected with construction, tourism, accommodation, and health. If we think of it, everything is supported by transport and logistics,” said Pacheco.
Shipping hub
One factor that led to the fast growth of the transport and logistics sector in the region is due to Cebu’s role as the shipping hub of the Visayas, which DTI cites as critical in domestic and international trade.
Department of Trade and Industry Cebu Provincial Office OIC Provincial Director Marivic Aguilar being interviewed by media during the Visayas Shipping Conference 2025 on Feb. 27, 2025 in Cebu City. (PIA7)
According to Marivic Aguilar, DTI Cebu officer-in-charge provincial director, Cebu’s ports, including air cargo facilities and logistic network, connect the region to Luzon, Mindanao, and the global markets.
Aguilar also encouraged logistics providers to invest more in upgrading their operations to ensure that their operations remain efficient.
“For logistics providers and businesses, we hope that you can invest more in digital transformation and cost efficiency-driven operations so we can ensure seamless trade flows and workforce enablers. We hope to strengthen logistic skill development and training to prepare for a rapidly evolving industry,” said Aguilar.
She said that logistics inefficiency affects business and will slow down the overall economy.
DTI recently conducted the 4th Visayas Shipping Conference and Exhibit in Cebu City.
The conference gathered around 150 shipping and logistics executives, manufacturers, importers and exporters, traders, and investors.
The event discussed key issues affecting the logistics industry and the solutions to improve logistics efficiency, strengthen infrastructure connectivity, and enhance trade facilitation. (ZCL/PIA7 Cebu)
