AUSTRALIA’S Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown visited Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental Province on Tuesday and Wednesday this week as part of Australia’s ongoing efforts to pursue trade and investment opportunities across the Philippines.
Ambassador Innes-Brown delivered a keynote speech at the Cagayan de Oro Investment Forum and Mayor’s Night, as well as attending the 35th Mindanao Business Conference at the Limketkai commercial complex.
In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted Australia’s commitment to increasing trade and investment with the Philippines, including Mindanao: “More than 240 Australian companies now operate in the Philippines, employing over 68,000 people. They are investing for the long term because they believe in the future of the Philippines.”
“Under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, we see enormous opportunities in clean energy, critical minerals, agriculture, digital technologies, infrastructure, education and advanced manufacturing. We see these opportunities not only in Metro Manila, but right here in Mindanao where our partnership is already delivering tangible results.
“Australian investment supported development of the Tantangan Solar Power Plant in South Cotabato, one of Mindanao’s most significant renewable energy projects which will deliver clean energy to over 82,000 households.”
Ambassador Innes-Brown also paid a courtesy call to Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette Uy to discuss the bilateral relationship and Australia’s longstanding support for Mindanao:
“As we celebrate 80 years of Australia-Philippines diplomatic relations, our partnership has never been stronger. For more than three decades, we have worked alongside governments, communities and the private sector to support peace, stability and development, including through the peace process that led to the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“These partnerships reflect Australia’s commitment to a Mindanao that is peaceful, prosperous, resilient and inclusive.”
