THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has concluded a bilateral agreement with the Hellenic-Asean Business Council during an industry forum focused on modernization, regulatory reforms, and investment opportunities.
Marina presented updates on its maritime industry and discussed global partnerships during the second Philippine Maritime Forum, leading to a cooperation agreement with European shipping stakeholders.
Organized to outline investment opportunities and domestic policy developments, the forum served as a platform to interact with the Greek shipping community, which manages a significant portion of the global merchant fleet.
A main component of the forum involved discussions on the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Greece regarding maritime operations and investment.
Philippine Ambassador to Greece Giovanni Palec stated that the relationship is moving toward broader cooperation, noting that the Philippines aims to act as a partner for investment opportunities and operations based on mutual confidence and commercial relations.
“We want you to look at the Philippines as one with skill, with talent, and as a partner; one which bridges investment opportunities and operations,” Palec said. “We envision the Philippines and Greece as partners built not only on commerce, but most importantly, on trust, confidence and relations.”
Representing the Marina, Deputy Administrator for Planning Nenita Atienza outlined the government’s current roadmap to upgrade the country’s domestic and international maritime presence through regulatory overhauls designed to achieve global competitiveness. Marina highlighted ongoing efforts to phase out aging vessels, implement strict green shipping and decarbonization policies, and align local capacity-building programs with evolving international maritime standards.
The operational highlight of the event was the ceremonial finalization of a memorandum of understanding between the Maritime Industry Authority and the Hellenic-Asean Business Council. Signed by Administrator Sonia Malaluan and Council representative Nick Stasinopoulos, and attested to by Atienza during the forum, the landmark agreement establishes a formal framework for policy dialogues, joint maritime development, and direct investment promotion across the shipping and shipbuilding sectors.
The forum successfully concluded with concrete institutional commitments that position the Philippines as a forward-thinking maritime nation ready for high-value operations.
