Speaking at the Philippines Ports & Logistics 2026 conference on Wednesday, APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV said recent conflict in the Middle East underscores structural risks in the western maritime corridor linking Asia and Europe.
Why it matters
The western corridor remains the backbone of Asia–Europe trade but passes through several geopolitical chokepoints vulnerable to disruption.
These include the Strait of Malacca, the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Suez Canal.
“The traditional western maritime corridor remains the backbone of Asia–Europe trade, but it is also exposed to multiple geopolitical chokepoints,” Taway said.
Recent tensions in the Middle East, he added, highlight how concentrated global trade routes remain vulnerable to shocks.
Pacific opportunity
Against this backdrop, Taway said the Pacific trade corridor is becoming increasingly important for global logistics.
To position the Philippines within this evolving maritime landscape, APECO is pushing its flagship infrastructure project — the Casiguran International New Port in Aurora province.
The greenfield development is envisioned as a Pacific-facing maritime gateway that can support manufacturing, logistics, and export activities.
“APECO offers itself as a new gateway, a new trans-Pacific gateway,” Taway said.
Even without geopolitical tensions, he added, the strategic location of the port makes it a significant opportunity for global trade networks.
Strategic advantage
Facing the Pacific Ocean, the proposed port could strengthen the Philippines’ role in regional and global supply chains.
“APECO’s location gives the Philippines a strategic vantage point in the Pacific corridor,” Taway said.
Developing modern infrastructure on the country’s Pacific coast would help diversify shipping routes and provide alternative gateways for international trade.
“By strengthening infrastructure on the Pacific side of the Philippines, we contribute to a more resilient maritime network,” he said.---Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
