KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has called on ASEAN port developers and logistics investors to establish the region’s next generation of maritime infrastructure and industries along the Pacific coast, citing the need for more resilient and diversified trade routes amid evolving global challenges.

Speaking at the 24th ASEAN Ports and Logistics Conference on Wednesday, APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Undersecretary Gil G. Taway IV urged industry stakeholders to consider investing in the proposed Casiguran International New Port (CINP) and expanding operations within the Aurora-based economic zone.

Taway said Pacific-facing ports and logistics hubs can serve as strategic redundancy nodes that will strengthen ASEAN’s supply chain resilience as geopolitical tensions and congestion continue to affect traditional maritime gateways.

“Global trade finds itself navigating one of the most complex geopolitical environments in recent history. We have learned the hard lesson that when trade becomes too dependent on a few congested routes and established gateways, any disruption can quickly become a delay, a cost, or a lost opportunity,” he said.

He noted that seven of ASEAN’s top 10 export markets—including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and Mexico—are directly accessible through the Pacific Ocean, making it a strategic location for future port and logistics development.

Taway said the proposed Casiguran International New Port is envisioned as a complementary Pacific-facing transshipment and logistics hub that will support cargo consolidation, cold chain facilities, value-added processing, and export-oriented manufacturing without competing with established regional ports.

He added that the project aims to provide businesses with greater route flexibility, redundancy, and direct access to Pacific markets while complementing existing major ports in Asia.

APECO also highlighted Aurora’s strategic location as a potential gateway to the emerging Arctic Route, or the “Golden Waterway,” which could reshape future Asia-Europe trade by providing an alternative shipping corridor that reduces reliance on traditional chokepoints such as the Suez Canal.

According to Taway, positioning Aurora as a Pacific gateway will help strengthen regional connectivity, attract investments, and support ASEAN’s long-term trade and logistics competitiveness. (Jason de Asis)

TOP 📸: KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) President and Chief Executive Officer Undersecretary Gil G. Taway IV delivers his presentation during the 24th ASEAN Ports & Logistics Conference on July 8, 2026, urging ASEAN stakeholders to develop next-generation Pacific-facing ports and logistics hubs. Taway highlighted the proposed Casiguran International New Port (CINP) as a strategic complementary gateway aimed at strengthening regional trade resilience, expanding market access, and enhancing supply chain connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo courtesy of APECO via Jason De Asis)