MARITIME businessman and Commerce alumnus Carlos Salinas is the new Philippine ambassador to Spain after a speedy confirmation by the Commission on Appointments last November 17.
Salinas, who was nominated to the post by President Benigno Aquino III last November, obtained his bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University in 1955.
Salinas heads Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc., said to be one of the largest crew management companies in the Philippines. It deploys thousands of seafarers annually.
In his visit to the University last December 6, Salinas bared plans to tap Spain’s tourism industry as a model for the Philippines, expand trade, and promote the Spanish language as part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Salinas said the country has a lot to learn from Spain’s tourism industry.
“[As far as] tourism is [concerned], they’re almost number one,” he said. “You know how they did it. It is just a matter of infrastructure, roads, hotels, organizations, trading, and manpower.”
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Tourism Highlights 2010, Spain is the second biggest earner worldwide in terms of international tourism receipts, and third in international tourist arrivals.
Salinas viewed the Lumina Pandit exhibit at the Miguel de Benavides Library and visited the UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy and College of Commerce and Business Administration. Fr. Rolando de La Rosa, O.P, Rector of the University, hosted a testimonial dinner.
Salinas founded Philippine Transmarine Carriers in 1979. He was chairman of the Filipino Shipowners Association and vice president of the International Shipping Federation based in London.
Salinas, whose post also covers the Principality of Andorra, will leave for Spain in January.
