Davao city: Officials from the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) have discussed plans to revive the Davao-Manado air route and enhance cooperation in the halal industry during their ministerial meetings on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mindanao Development Authority Undersecretary Janet Lopoz, serving as the Philippines’ alternate senior official for BIMP-EAGA, stated that a joint task force with Indonesia will be established to evaluate the route’s viability. “From our end, a task force will be created between Indonesia and the Philippines to look into the viability and renegotiations of the Davao-Manado route,” Lopoz mentioned.

Lopoz further elaborated that an enhanced ASEAN transport framework, approved last month, allows for unlimited point-to-point destinations. This framework could potentially enable flights to pick up passengers in Cebu before moving on to Davao, Manado, and Bali.

In addition to the air route discussions, delegates have set up a Task Force on Halal to tackle industry challenges and increase private-sector collaboration. Lopoz highlighted the potential for partnerships with Malaysia and Indonesia in production, with Brunei Darussalam being considered as the initial consolidation market.

Malaysia’s Datuk Dr. Zunika Mohamed has pledged ongoing capacity-building support for Mindanao’s halal industry. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Bobby Chriss Siagian emphasized the importance of mutual recognition of Halal products among the member countries.

The BIMP-EAGA meetings are set to continue through Friday, with further engagements taking place in the Island Garden City of Samal.