2 March 2015 – Officials from the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver led by Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer visited the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia and the International Ship-Owners Alliance of Canada to discuss issues and developments within the shipping industry in British Columbia.

During the meeting with Mr. Stephen Brown, President of the BC Chamber of Shipping, the official gave a brief introduction on the membership and functions of the association which counts among its members the biggest names in the shipping industry such as shipping companies, port operators, classification societies, pilot associations, charter companies and other industry stakeholders.

The Chamber of Shipping which was established in 1923, represents vessel owners, operators and shipping agencies engaged in international trade through Canada’s Pacific gateway. It serves as a venue for members to collaborate in finding solutions to the various challenges and issues affecting the shipping industry. The association also lobbies with legislators and influential leaders to develop policies that will benefit the maritime community.

Mr. Brown acknowledged the huge contribution of the Philippines in supplying an estimated 400,000 seafarers to international shipping. He welcomed the Consulate’s gesture of cooperation and invited Consul General Ferrer to be the special guest during the association’s “Day of the Seafarer” activity this coming June.Consul General Ferrer noted the importance of the shipping industry in the Philippines and informed them about the country’s commitment to comply with the regulations and standards set by the International Maritime Organization.

On 27 February 2015, Consul General Ferrer accompanied by Consul Rogelio Villanueva Jr, visited the office of the International Ship-Owners Alliance of Canada (ISAC). They were received by Ms. Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein, President and Secretary General of ISAC and Ms. Georgia Papadimitriou, Policy and Business Analyst who briefed them on the mandate and current activities of the association.

Ms. Stein mentioned that the association is actively pushing for the reactivation of the International Maritime Center in Vancouver. With the recent announcement of support from British Columbia’s Finance Minister and allocation of CAD$3 million to jumpstart the establishment of the International Maritime Center, the coming years look promising for the shipping industry, according to Ms. Stein.

Consul General Ferrer thanked the ISAC officials for their warm welcome and invitation for Philippine shipping companies to establish partnership with ISAC and avail of the opportunities with the reactivation of the International Maritime Center in Vancouver. -END