PR-20-2024
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne recently engaged in a series of economic initiatives to bolster trade and investment relations and identify business opportunities between the Philippines and Victoria.
On 14 August, Consul General Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo met with Ms. Naila Mazzuco, the newly appointed Victorian Government Commissioner for Trade and Investment for Southeast Asia. The discussion focused on strengthening trade and investment ties. Emphasis was placed on synergies between the Philippine priority areas and Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic strategy to 2040. Also discussed were the upcoming Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCHAM) trade mission with focus on IT-BPO, and the enhancement of transnational education partnerships. The meeting expressed optimism about increasing trade and investment opportunities and looked forward to focus on priority areas of partnerships.
Ahead of the Melbourne Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo on 17-19 August, a business delegation representing six Filipino brands – Bench, Oryspa, Avocadoria, The Cabalen Group, Miguelitos Ice Cream, and Shawarma Shack – visited the Consulate. Consul General Salcedo provided insights into Melbourne’s dynamic commercial environment and affirmed strong support for the delegation’s efforts to expand their operations within the Australian market.
On the same day, the Consulate General hosted the oathtaking of officers of the Philippines-Australia Business Hub (PAB Hub). This new not-for-profit organization is dedicated to assisting Filipino businesses to enter the Australian market and empowering Filipino-Australian entrepreneurs through comprehensive support services aimed at facilitating successful market entry and business growth.
On 18 August, the Consulate supported the “Philippine Brands Going Global: Franchise Opportunities for Australian and Overseas Filipino Investors” event at Pan Pacific Melbourne held by PTIC-Sydney, the Philippine Franchise Association (PAF) and PAB Hub. This initiative underscored the potential for Philippine franchises in Australia, attracting significant interest from community leaders and potential investors.
Further strengthening economic ties, the Consulate General, represented by Consul Jan Sherwin P. Wenceslao. attended a networking reception with Victoria’s Trade and Investment Commissioners on 20 August, hosted by Tim Pallas MP, Treasurer and Minister for Economic Growth and Industrial Relations. The event featured discussions on Victoria’s leading role in the services sector and its strategic international economic engagements, particularly with Southeast Asia.
These engagements highlight the Philippine Consulate General’s commitment to fostering robust economic ties and supporting the Philippine community’s excellence in Victoria’s economic landscape. The Consulate looks forward to continuing similar engagements, which promise to enhance bilateral relations and promote sustainable economic growth between the Philippines and Australia.
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