DAVAO-PALAU TOURISM, TRADE LINKS FORMALIZED
Davao City, May 26, 1998 - Palau President Kuniwo Nakamura is batting for stronger, more direct bilateral tourism and trade arrangements with Davao.
At a press conference during his official visit Sunday, President Nakamura pointed out that "Palau is closer to Davao than to Manila" because his island home is a mere 500-mile journey, or an hour away by plane, from Davao.
He is optimistic that a direct flight between Palau and Davao would be made possible in the near future. Such a development, he said, would boost tourism for both destinations.
"We can promote our two destinations in one package," President Nakamura said, pointing out that tourist traffic in Palau has increased considerably in the past years. Majority of tourists to Palau are from Taiwan and Japan.
He also noted that the present trade route takes imports and exports between Palau and Davao through Manila before reaching either destination, resulting in a two-week voyage instead of the two days and nights when the ships sail directly from Davao to Palau and vice versa.
Palau presently imports 1,000 tons of cement monthly from Davao Union Cement Corporation. Aside from reducing the shipping time, a direct route would also result in significantly reduced freight costs.
President Nakamura announced that a five-man trade and tourism team will be in the Philippines very soon to formalize arrangements on trade and tourism between the two countries, and to hold talks with Davao City officials on areas of cooperation at the local level.
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