AMBASSADOR Marc Innes-Brown recently visited Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental as part of Australia’s ongoing efforts to pursue trade and investment opportunities across the Philippines.
Innes-Brown delivered a keynote speech at the Cagayan de Oro Investment Forum and Mayor’s Night, then attended the 35th Mindanao Business Conference at the Limketkai commercial complex.
In his remarks, the ambassador highlighted Australia’s commitment to increasing trade and investments with the Philippines, including Mindanao, as he said that ‘more than 240 Australian [firms now operate in the Philippines, employing over 68,000 people. They are investing for the long term because they believe in this country’s future.’
‘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,’ he noted. ‘We see these opportunities not only in Metro Manila, but right here in Mindanao where our partnership is already delivering tangible results.
Innes-Brown stated that ‘Australian investment supported the 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.’
He also paid a courtesy call to Governor Juliette Uy of Misamis Oriental. Both discussed the bilateral ties 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 [has] led to the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,’ the ambassador said in his remarks. ‘These partnerships reflect Australia’s commitment to a Mindanao that is peaceful, prosperous, resilient and inclusive.’