Publisher’s Note
Bullish prospects seen for 2018
D
espite a slowdown in the economies of the developed
countries in Europe as well as the US due to protectionist
policies, it seems that the region to watch out for in 2018
where foreign trade and maritime activities continue to
grow is the Asia-Pacific rim.
So much has been said and written on the media on how
countries in the Asia-Pacific rim have implemented reforms
in their economies, which, in turn have made them much more competitive
and ready to buck continuing economic growth trends. It is perhaps also
notable to say that while European economies and companies continue to
experience slumps in their home markets, it is the Asian economies—with
their vast customer base numbering hundreds of millions, plus their
investments that include ownership stakes in a growing number of European
companies—that will keep them afloat. This, in turn, will expedite greater sea
freight movements between the two continents.
As economic activities in Asia-Pacific continue to remain bullish, so will
the need to have more of our seafarers (with their excellent reputation that
make them darlings of top global manning companies) be a part to
contribute to that growth, through the sea lanes they navigate.
PHILIP O. ORTALEZA
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