GLAN, Sarangani (2 October) -- Direct shipping services between the Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle (JAGS-CT) and Indonesia's North Sulawesi province would "accelerate economic development" in the BIMP-EAGA region, an Indonesian diplomat said.

"We, the Indonesians from the public and private sector are very happy that through cooperation, the long-awaited realization of the BIMP-EAGA vision to accelerate economic development in the region will soon be fulfilled," Consul General Ikon Mochamad Entjeng said.

The 12-year old Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), forerunner of JAGS-CT, aims to boost trade, tourism and investment activities within the region through joint local partnerships.

JAGS-CT was organized in 2003 as a local initiative in support of the BIMP-EAGA economic cooperation.

The Davao City-based consul, in a communiqué sent to Gov. Migs Dominguez and Glan Mayor Enrique Yap Jr. Thursday, said the efforts of JAGS-CT, Sarangani Province and North Sulawesi Province "is fully supported by my office and our Embassy."

"Rest assured that I will do everything in my power to help you in this endeavor," Entjeng said.

Entjeng declared he will "continue to work with you for the success of BIMP-EAGA and the benefit of our relevant marginalized areas."

The Indonesian envoy described JAGS-CT's September 21-25 trade mission as the "largest business delegation ever to visit" North Sulawesi.

Entjeng said the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Philippines and Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang of North Sulawesi appreciated the JAGS-CT trade mission.

The 62-member delegation was headed by Gov. Dominguez and Philippine Special Envoy for BIMP-EAGA Efren Abu.

Entjeng said the "very successful trip" has paved the way for the "realization of the planned direct shipping service within the Glan (JAGS-CT)-Tahuna-Bitung route."

The inaugural voyage from Glan Port was scheduled for October 8, with shipping operations to be conducted by NHU Customs Brokerage and Shipping Agency.

Booked for shipment to North Sulawesi were beauty soap and cosmetics, construction materials (cement and paints), banana and cacao. Negotiations were in progress for Coca-Cola products, mango planting materials and other fruits seeds, and alcoholic beverages for consumption in hotels and restaurants.

Products to be imported from North Sulawesi will include construction materials (tiles and roofs) and virgin coconut oil, according to the Indonesian consul.