Australian envoy assures RP of stronger ties

The Australian government is not shaken by the ongoing political squabble in the Philippines, instead pursues stronger trade and investment relationships with the country.

"Business as usual for Australia and Philippines, you're not new to any political uncertainties anyway," said Australia Ambassador to the Philippines Tony Hely in his visit to Cebu Wednesday.

In fact, he said this coming August the Philippines and Australia will inaugurate the Philippine-Australia Ministerial Meeting (PAMM) in order to re-reinforce bilateral relationships between both countries.

He stressed that the current political upheaval, which other sectors in the Philippine society are trying to crash the Arroyo-led government has not affected Australia's outlook for the Philippines as a good trade and investment partner.

Foreign affairs and trade officials and other government executives from both are expected to discuss issues that would forge good and stronger tie-ups and could boost each country's economies.

"The meeting is a good chance for Australia to strengthen trade and investment relationship with the Philippines," he said.

In the last three to four years, he mentioned, Australian trade and investment activities with the Philippines had remained flat compared to other countries in Asia.

"We would like to re-invigorate bilateral relationship with the Philippines," he reiterated.

The recent investment of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to Australia has indicated a good sign that Australia has become an attractive foreign investment site for Filipino companies.

Likewise, he said there are six to seven investments from the mining sector that are looking at putting huge investments in the Philippines, following the country's (Philippines) decision to open up mining related investments to foreign companies.

Hely, who was only appointed as Australia Ambassador to the Philippines for three months, was here in Cebu to meet with business sector players like the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other organizations to promote trade in Australia.

Hely was also accompanied by Australian senior trade commissioner Alan Morrel who took advantage to invite Cebuano companies to visit a major food show in Sydney this coming September that will showcase wide array of Australian food products that have big potentials for the Philippine market.

The Philippines is heavily importing meat, dairy, delicatessen and other food products to the Philippines. In 2004, Australia's export to the Philippines reached to 977 million (Australian) dollars. In the same year, it also imports a total of 700 million (Australian) dollars from the Philippines.

The ambassador further emphasized that Cebu, as the second largest city in the Philippines has become an important area of focus to promote Australian trade. He expressed hopes that through a closer relationship with Cebu and the Australian embassy there will be more Cebuano companies doing business with Australian-based firms.