Officials from various government entities in the Philippines have received training in how to develop a National Maritime Transport Policy (NMPT). The concept is being promoted by IMO as a good governance practice to guide planning, decision making and legislation in the maritime sector, and as a key driver for a country’s sustainable development. The event took place in Manila, Philippines (6-8 March), organized by IMO together with the Philippines Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the World Maritime University (WMU).

The training comes at an opportune moment – with the Philippines in the process of adopting its Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2018-2028 – designed to enhance the country’s maritime industry. Forty-five officials took part in the Manila event, which was run by IMO’s Josephine Uranza, WMU’s Professor Neil Bellefontaine, and Associate Professor Henning Jessen.