Friday, December 15, 2006 Tuna exporters insist on Davao-Japan direct flight By Joy Romares-Sevilla
DAVAO tuna exporters are clamoring for a direct flight from Davao City to Japan where they market their fresh products, to preserve their quality and boost competitiveness.
In Thursday's year-end briefing on small and medium enterprises and Exports Forum at the Apo View Hotel, tuna exporters in the region said their product is highly perishable and that the indirect flights from Davao City to Japan is one of the main reasons that affect their operations.
Ann Pamintuan, president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport-11), said they had already discussed initial plans with the director of the Davao Fishport for the opening of direct flight from Davao City to Tokyo, Japan.
"Two months ago, I had a meeting with the director of the Davao Fishport concerning this matter, in fact we have already scheduled another meeting before the end of the year to tackle the same issue," Pamintuan said.
Tuna exporters in Davao Region are exporting tuna in at least three cities in Japan namely: Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
The exporters said they pay for about P1 million for every ton of tuna exported in Japan.
Exporters added direct flight from Davao to Japan will help them to be more competitive considering that their products' quality will be ensured and maintained.
