The Philippines and Indonesia are discussing the revival of the proposed direct flight between Davao and Manado, a plan that was shelved due to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, in a bid to boost trade opportunities between the two areas under the BIMP-EAGA initiative.
Secretary Leo Tereso Magno of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said on Friday that discussions are underway to revive the plan.
He said MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro visited Manado two weeks ago to discuss the possible reopening of the direct route.
Following the launch of BIMP-EAGA, there were earlier discussions on establishing a direct Davao-Manado flight. However, the proposal was overtaken by events before airlines could begin operations.
“Now we are renegotiating, and we are trying to make a push together,” he added.
Trade among BIMP-EAGA member economies remains relatively low, with most trading activity taking place between Mindanao and Sabah, Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Magno highlighted the potential of halal products within the BIMP-EAGA market. He said he had already asked Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque to explore opportunities in the trillion-dollar halal industry.
He added that discussions have been held with various chambers of commerce in the country, particularly the Mindanao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to determine how the region can participate more actively in the global halal market.
