THE Department of Trade and Industry 11 is now looking at the development of the Sasa Wharf into a port complying with international standards as part of the tourism corridor being developed in Southern Mindanao.
The tourism corridor will make Davao City, the Island Garden City of Samal, and Mati City in Davao Oriental as key tourism destinations in the region.
"What we are looking at is the establishment of a gantry crane and a passenger terminal that will be at par with international standards," Trade Undersecretary Merly Cruz said during the Club 888 forum Wendesday at the Marco Polo Davao.
A port is also being planned to be put up in the Island Garden City of Samal which will compliment the two ports of Davao and Mati.
A fast craft now traverses the route between Davao City and the town of Lupon, Davao Oriental, shortening the travel time between the two destinations to one hour from a previous three hour travel time.
"This is in line with our bid to showcase Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area as a single window for tourism," Cruz said, adding that negotiations with the management of Ekran Berhad is in its final stage.
High rollers from all over Asia are expected to converge in the region once the five-star casino resort re-opens its doors. (CPM)