The Port of Manila has a diverse economy. In addition to housing the Philippines' major seaport, it is an important center for publishing and manufacturing. Products manufactured in the Port of Manila include textiles, chemicals, clothing, electronics, watches, leather goods, shoes, and iron and steel. Local businesses process commodities for export, including plywood, rope, refined sugar, coconut oil, and copra. The food, beverages, and tobacco sectors employ many of the city's residents.
With more than a million visitors each year, tourism is a thriving and important economic sector in the Port of Manila. Except for the Port of Manila, every district in the city has its own public market where local commerce is busy, particularly in the early morning. The urban renewal program includes refurbishing some of these markets. The Port of Manila also has plenty of modern shopping malls and chain stores.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Ports District Office for Manila/Northern Luzon is the governing body for the Port of Manila. The PPA is committed to providing reliable services, sustaining the development of port communities and the environment, and being a model corporate-government agency.
The PPA's priority objectives include establishing, developing, regulating, managing, and operating a rationalized national port system that supports trade and development for the nation of the Philippines. To meet these goals, the PPA will modernize at least ten ports by the year 2010, improve port services, reduce costs for port customers, integrate port and community development and operation, and provide a working environment conducive to improved productivity and job satisfaction.
The Port of Manila is the Philippines largest and busiest port. Located on one of the world's best natural harbors, the Port of Manila is the world's shipping gateway to the Philippines. The Port of Manila International Cargo Terminal (MICT) is one of the most active seaports in Asia.
In 2006, the Port of Manila served a total of 5325 vessels, including 2442 foreign vessels and 1911 domestic vessels. The Port of Manila's North Harbor served 1911 domestic vessels and 208 foreign vessels. The South Harbor served 1007 foreign and 764 domestic vessels. The Manila International Cargo Terminal (MICT) served 1435 foreign vessels.