The Philippines, through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Korea Offshore and Shipbuilding Engineering Cooperative (KOSEC) signed a Cooperation Agreement to expand trade and business relations in the field of shipbuilding and maritime enterprise.
The Korea-Philippines Maritime Mobility Cooperation Forum, hosted by the KOSEC and the Busan Marine Engineering Association (BUEA), was held on September 9, 2025.
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized that strengthening trade and business relationship is crucial in order to sustain economic recovery. “This gathering fosters deeper collaboration and mutual understanding among maritime stakeholders, which are vital for enhancing maritime safety, environmental protection and sustainable industry development” Malaluan said.
The partnership highlights various areas of collaboration between two parties such as exchanging information relative to shipping market and current developments in different technologies. It also aims to establish a more comprehensive cooperation in the field of maritime business including education; technical consultation and design; research and development; engineering and construction; and trading activities.
Among the presentations from Korean resource speakers were introduction of Pukyong National University and their international programs; introduction of High Speed Vessel Performance Research Center of the Research Institute of Medium and Small Shipbuilding (RIMS); respective introduction of KOSEC, Donyang Engineering and Transgas Solution; and Korea’s Next Generation Shipbuilding Industry Technology Development Strategy.
For its part, the Philippines presented the State of Play of the Philippine Shipbuilding and Ship Repair 2024 and the Hull Design Standard for Philippine Seawater Typology.
The said event was also attended by KOSEC Chairperson Lee Junghwan, KOSEC Ambassador to the Philippines Mr. Park HyoungKyu, Nam-gu District, Busan City Mayor Oh Eun-Taek; Assistant Secretary for Maritime Atty. Villamor-Ventura Plan, 1Tahanan Representative Hon. Nathaniel Oducado and Cebu City Mayor Hon. Nestor Archival among others.
