Australia's Special Envoy for Southeast Asia Calls on Executive Secretary Bersamin

(Left) Special Envoy Moore signing the Guest Book at the Cabinet Lounge; and (Right) Special Envoy Moore with Executive Secretary Bersamin.

PASAY CITY 30 March 2023 – The Hon Nicholas Moore, Special Envoy for Southeast Asia of Australia, called on Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at the Cabinet Lounge at the Malacañang Palace Grounds on 23 March 2023. Special Envoy Moore is in the Philippines to highlight the opportunities for both countries to strengthen their economic relations, specifically trade and investments.

Discussions between Special Envoy Moore and Executive Secretary Bersamin revolved around the keen interest of both sides to improve two-way trade and provide opportunities for investments in both countries. Australia’s priorities were noted in education, renewable energy, digital technology, mining, institutional investments, as well as in television, movies and gaming, while the Philippines expressed interest in agriculture, including in resolving market access for some Philippine products, and renewable energy. 

Australia ranks as the Philippines’ 14th major trading partner, 18th largest export market, and 12th largest import supplier. In terms of investments, it is ranked 12th among other countries. 

Special Envoy Moore highlighted the depth of goodwill between the two countries and Australia’s keen interest in improving trade and investments with the Philippines. Executive Secretary Bersamin expressed appreciation for Australia’s consistent support for the Philippines since 1946 after World War II until present. END

(Left to right) Second Secretary Charlotte Corbyn (AU Embassy); Assistant Secretary Ray Marcelo (DFAT); Director Anton Gaffney (DFAT); Counsellor-Political James Yeomans (AU Embassy in Manila); Ambassador HK Yu (AU Embassy in Manila); Special Envoy for Southeast Asia Nicholas Moore; Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin; Presidential Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go; Ambassador Marciano Paynor, Jr. (Ret, OES); Undersecretary Zeno Ronald Abenoja (DOF); Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo (DTI); Senior Special Assistant Alex V Lamadrid (DFA-OIER); Director for the Pacific Ma. Theresa M. Alders (DFA-ASPAC).

(Above) Discussions between the Philippine and Australian delegations at the Cabinet Lounge in Malacañang Palace Grounds.