PR-25-2024
10 October 2024, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne, led by Consul General Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo and accompanied by Consul Jan Sherwin P. Wenceslao, hosted an informal meeting at the Consulate, bringing together representatives from the Philippines-Australia Business Council (APBC), various Filipino community organizations, and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce. The meeting explored opportunities for strengthening business connections within the Filipino community under the theme, Filipino Diaspora Helps Open Business Opportunities in Victoria.
Participants included key Filipino organizations such as the Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong Inc. (FAFAG), Filipino Chefs Association of Victoria (FCAV), Philippines-Australia Business Hub (PAB Hub), EntrePinays, EPIC Events, and TaxSmart Café. The Geelong Chamber of Commerce was represented by its CEO, Mr. Jeremy Crawford, Ms. Melanie Turnbull (Health and Growth Lead), and Mr. Gerard Filipe, a Filipino community leader and Membership Growth Specialist.
The meeting provided a platform for Filipino organizations to introduce their respective priorities and present a profile of the Filipino community in Victoria and Geelong, Australia’s sixth largest city and Victoria’s second. Discussions centered on the economic and entrepreneurial potential of the Filipino community. Mr. Crawford extended an invitation to Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Geelong and the surrounding areas to join participate in PakoFest, Victoria’s largest business/cultural event, become a member of the Geelong Chamber and take advantage of the various programs and incentives designed to help them build and grow their businesses.
The meeting highlighted the potential for partnerships between the APBC and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, with a focus on providing business support, training, and education for Filipino MSMEs. Filipino community leaders stressed the importance of holistic and targeted business interventions for the Filipino community in Geelong. The Chamber was also invited to participate in business missions to the Philippines, exploring potential investment opportunities.
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne remains committed to fostering and supporting business opportunities for the Filipino community in Victoria, strengthening the community’s contribution to both Philippine and Australian economic growth.
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