The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade hosted Ambassador Hellen De La Vega along with other speakers on 11 May to discuss trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.

14 May 2021, CANBERRA – H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia, presented on investment opportunities in the Philippines to over 90 Australian businesses during a seminar held on 11 May, hosted by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Export Council of Australia. The Ambassador said, “The Philippines is committed to a safe reopening of the economy and our aim is to build back better.” She cited the surge in foreign direct investment into the country by 41.5 percent from January 2020 to January 2021 despite the pandemic.

A message from Australian Trade and Investment Minister Dan Tehan, MP on the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Australia relations and the importance of the two countries’ business ties to economic recovery, was read by Australian Ambassador to Manila Steven J. Robinson AO. In his remarks, Ambassador Robinson noted how Australian business continue to do well in the Philippines and his optimism in the future trajectory of the Philippine economy and the opportunities for Australian business.

Ms. Susan Jenkin of Ironbark Citrus talked about her experience exporting mandarins to the Philippines as part of a diversified marketing strategy. She noted the potential to increase trade with the growing middle class in the Philippines. Mr. Neil Grimes of Plentex discussed the healthy land farming and aquaculture environment in the Philippines, low cost and ready access to a large domestic and ASEAN markets, as key advantages for investors. He also acknowledged the challenges that investors may face in doing business in the Philippines and explained how these may be addressed. The seminar was moderated by Mr. Eduard Alcordo, President of the Australia Philippines Business Council. -- END

Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega said that post-COVID19, the Philippines is still well positioned to recover strongly because of its solid macroeconomic and fiscal management and continuous improvement in the business climate