Australian Assistant Minister for Immigration and Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite said in a statement that his recent visit to Manila underscored Canberra’s push to deepen economic engagement with the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
“The Philippines is an important partner for Australia, and our relationship is at an historic high point,” Thistlethwaite said, citing the Strategic Partnership Declaration signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2023.
Trade hits record high
Two-way trade between Australia and the Philippines reached a record AUD 11.34 billion last year, reflecting growing economic cooperation between the two countries.
Both nations are members of major regional trade frameworks, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), which continue to support market access and investment flows.
Boosting education collaboration
During his visit, Thistlethwaite met with Philippine education officials, including the Department of Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), to expand cooperation in education and skills development.
The discussions focused on increasing transnational education opportunities and supporting offshore delivery of Australian education services in the Philippines.
SEABX mission drives investments
Thistlethwaite led the Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange (SEABX) mission, bringing 25 Australian delegates to the Philippines to explore investment opportunities.
The mission aligns with Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which aims to boost long-term economic engagement in the region.
This marks the fifth SEABX and investment mission to the Philippines under the strategy.
Key sectors for growth
Officials identified priority sectors for deeper collaboration, including:
Thistlethwaite also met with Philippine officials from the Departments of Trade and Industry, Foreign Affairs, and Information and Communications Technology to identify new areas for expanding trade and investment.
Strengthening regional ties
The visit also coincides with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Philippines, highlighting longstanding cooperation between the two countries.
“My visit demonstrated the Australian Government’s commitment to deepening trade and investment with the Philippines and Southeast Asia,” Thistlethwaite said. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
