Ambassador of Philippines Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega earlier this week paid an official visit to Western Australia and highlighted the significant trade and investment relations and people to people connections between Western Australia and the Philippines.
During her visit Ambassador called on Governor Kim Beazley, Premier Mark McGowan and leaders of the Western Australian parliament, said a statement from Embassy of Philippines in Canberra.
Ambassador De La Vega noted that Western Australia accounts for 47% of Australia’s total merchandise export to the Philippines. The WA officials took pride in the success of Austal shipyard in Balamban, Cebu and its plans to expand its operations in the Philippines.
Philippines is an important market for Western Australian wheat and there are several firms based in this State that have presence in the Philippines.
“We have a strong economic relationship with Western Australia.” the Ambassador remarked.
To further build on economic opportunities between the Philippines and Western Australia, the Ambassador met with officials of the Department of Jobs, Tourism and Science and Innovation and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia.
She told the Western Australian leaders that Philippines is one of the best performing and fastest growing economies in the world. We are focused on developing our strategic industries which include shipbuilding, construction and strategic materials and resource. Western Australia has many strengths in these sectors and we can find ways to cooperate with each other.
“As we approach 75 years of Philippines-Australia diplomatic relations in 2021, it is important to develop new trade and investment pathways”, she argued.
