The Ministry of Communication's Ports Department has signed a service agreement with the Philippines International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) for the operation and maintenance of Muara Container Terminal.

Under the contract agreement, ICTSI will do most of ports operation activities, maintenance and repair for the existing equipment and facilities. It will also follow the service levels set by the Ports Departments which are of international standards.

During the operational term, the Ports Department will also promote a localisation programme to encourage ICTSI to employ locals or permanent residents in disciplines such as technical, supervisor and administration.

The agreement will be re-negotiated on an annual basis for two years, after the initial contract expires after four years.

Held at Hua Ho Mall, Manggis last night, signing on behalf of the Ports Department was its Acting Director Ang Kian Guan, while ICTSI was represented by its Executive Vice-president Edgardo Q Abesamis.

Witnessing the signing ceremony was Minister of Communications Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong, who was also the guest of honour at the event.

Also in attendance was Philippines Ambassador to Brunei Virginia H Bernavidez and Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications Hj Mahmud Hj Mohd Daud, along with other senior ministry officers.

Others who were present included senior officials from the Attorney General's Chambers, Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Planning and Development, Audit Department and port associations namely Shipping Association of Brunei Darussalam (SABD), Brunei Freight Forwarding Association (Brufa) and the Federation of Transportation and Stevedoring Companies (FTSBD).

ICTSI was established in 1987 in the Philippines and has conducted major operations for port management either in the Philippines or internationally such as Brazil, Colombia, China, Ecuador, Georgia, Japan, Madagascar, Poland and Indonesia. (AFH)