Saturday, July 26, 2008 Biz group urges conversion of old airport to trade center
THE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) passed a resolution requesting the City Government of Davao to urge the Department of Transportation and Communication to convert the old Davao International Airport Terminal to an international air cargo, logistics, and trade center.
Based on a copy of the resolution furnished by DCCCII, it said "the identified cargo volume of Davao Airport has been growing for the last three years and has been hampered by the lack of available space on passenger aircraft and the absence of facilities specifically tailored for air cargo."
DCCCII said there is a need to provide immediate and rapid transport of highly perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables to markets in Luzon and Visayas to ensure continuous supply and also to stabilize the price of these commodities.
The chamber also said that the old Davao International Airport Terminal only needs minimal improvements since it still has the facilities for it to become a viable trade center. Thus, it urges the City Government to enact a resolution to convert the old airport terminal to international trade center.
DCCCII added that the city should take advantage of this since it is the major hub of air transportation in Mindanao with majority of passenger and cargo traffic passing through the city's international airport.
The resolution was passed earlier this month and copies provided to the Office of the President, Office of the City Mayor, and other government agencies concerned. (JGRS)
