28 April 2015 - On March 23, the Philippine Consulate General, in coordination with the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) in Sydney and the Australia-Philippines Business Council (APBC), hosted a Philippine Business Forum entitled, “Doing Business in the Philippines: The Philippines Investment Priorities 2014-2016”.
Representatives from the private sector in New South Wales (NSW) were invited to the Forum which aimed to further promote the Philippines as an investment destination.
Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis gave an overview of the Philippines’ stable and resilient economic growth, the steady investment flows into the Philippines, the country’s positive credit standing, and its improved global competitiveness ranking. Consul General Louis also stressed the Philippine Government’s initiatives under good governance and transparency which has created an environment of confidence for investors.
The focus of Consul General Louis’ presentation was the Philippines’ Investment Priorities for 2014-2016 which highlight the sectors and areas of interest to the Philippines. She also discussed sectors that have the highest potential growth for Australian businesses, such as automotive parts manufacturing, shipbuilding, food processing, furniture and homeware, information technology and business process outsourcing.
Ms. Caroline Edginton, a former Member of the Board of the Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and owner of Sydney-based Action for Business, spoke about her experience in establishing businesses in the Philippines and of the talent, skills and loyalty of Filipinos whom she worked with in the course of her stay in the Philippines. She provided inputs for prospective Australian business companies wanting to do business in the Philippines, including key ingredients to succeed in their business in the Philippines.
APBC’s Vice President for New South Wales Robert Dunn, CEO of Opportunity International Australia, emceed the proceedings. APBC Board Member Rene Benitez, Chairman of FCA Group - Orbital Capital LLC, gave an introduction of APBC and encouraged attendees to become members of the Council. APBC Board Member Dipsy Altamonte, Owner of Imago Communications Pty. Ltd., coordinated the event with the Consulate General and PTIC-Sydney.
APBC has been a long-time partner of the Consulate in promoting linkages between the business sectors of the Philippines and Australia, and in raising the profile of Philippine companies.
During the open forum, several questions were raised about the BPO sector in the Philippines as well as developments on the mining industry. END