Australian firms eye joint venture opportunities in Asia

MANILA, Philippines - Thirty-six delegates from 23 Australian companies met with international financial institutions in Manila recently to discuss possible joint venture opportunities in the region.

Australian Ambassador Rod Smith said the Australian Consulting Services delegation met with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank (Philippines) to promote their capabilities in managing infrastructure and financial sector projects.

“Australian consulting companies with experience in various fields are here to promote their services to bank officials, implementing agencies and potential local partner consultants,” Smith said.

The offer for possible joint venture opportunities to manage infrastructure and financial projects especially those that are foreign-funded may be explored following the World Bank report and the investigation into the anomalous road projects funded by the foreign financial institution and the extent of government corruption that identified First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo as patron of colluding contractors in a $33-million road project in 2003.

“Australia is a well known provider of high quality consulting services to development projects funded by the ADB and World Bank. In recent years, Australian companies have successfully implemented a wide range of initiatives in the areas of education, infrastructure and governance sectors across the Asia Pacific Region,” he said.

Smith said “Australian companies are globally recognized for providing innovative solutions which contribute to sustainable development.”  

Companies that showcased their achievements include one of the world’s leading engineering and architecture companies, GHD Pty Ltd; transport consultancy firm, ARRB Group Ltd; Australia’s largest commercialization company, UniQuest Pty Limited; and international development consulting company, IDSS Pty Ltd.

 The mission, organized by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), also includes North Queensland firm, Tropical Expertise Group, who showcased its research in tropical agriculture, horticulture, aquatic resources and sustainable management.