Philippine candidate for IMO top post woos Bangladesh support

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine candidate for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) secretary general position, Neil Frank R. Ferrer, visited Dhaka recently to campaign for support of Bangladesh, the Philippine Embassy in Bangladesh said.

Ferrer, a highly experienced career diplomat and chairman of the Philippines’ Maritime Safety Committee, outlined his plans for the IMO if given the chance to lead the organization during his meetings with Bangladeshi officials.

He first met with Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs-UN Wing Director Ishrat Jahan Ahmed on April 27. The following day, he was received by Bangladesh Minister of Shipping Shajahan Khan.

Ferrer said that while the IMO maintains its principal regulatory role, it should also be responsible for regulating international maritime issues.

Ferrer said the key to effective implementation of the IMO’s strategic plan is the close coordination of all members and stakeholders.

Among the issues the maritime group needs to address is how it can contribute to international efforts to curb atmospheric pollution and address climate change, he said.

Another is with the greater use of information and communication technology in maritime transport and the improvement and innovation in shipping facilities, Ferrer said.

Ferrer, whose candidacy in the IMO was endorsed by President Benigno Aquino, was assisted by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Mary Grace V. Villamayor his visit to Dhaka. Roemart Tamayo, contributor