LISTED port operator Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) on Tuesday said it would step up efforts to minimize the impact of a coronavirus pandemic on its operations through innovations.
The company said port users can now make online payments in real time through an e-payment platform it has developed.
“As a trade enabler and port technology pioneer, ATI is committed to adopting smart and innovative solutions to fast-track trade and minimize supply chain disruptions, especially during this global pandemic,” ATI Executive Vice-President William Khoury said in an e-mailed statement.
The company’s payment technology is linked to its bank partners such as BDO Unibank, Inc. and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., allowing customers to pay import and export fees anytime.
The port operator said it might partner with more banks for its e-payment system so it can cater to more customers amid the pandemic.
“We encourage our stakeholders to utilize our ePay Portals for easy, convenient, safe and transparent port transactions,” Mr. Khoury said.
ATI’s first-half net income dropped 46.3% to P1.15 billion from a year earlier, while revenue fell by 28.2% to P5.05 billion as the global health crisis pulled down container volumes.
The company had said prudent cost management and investment in important port infrastructure projects would let it remain resilient during the crisis. — Arjay L. Balinbin
