PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

Ambassador De La Vega celebrated PH-AU Friendship Day with Filipino community in Perth

15 September 2026, HOBART – Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales, together with Consul General Jesus Gary Domingo of the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne, undertook an official visit to Tasmania to explore opportunities to strengthen trade, investment and people-to-people links between the Philippines and Tasmania.

The delegation met with officials from Building Tasmania (formerly the Department of State Growth) led by Senior Director Cameron Shield to discuss opportunities to expand two-way trade and investment. Tasmania’s premium agricultural, seafood and food and beverage products, including dairy, salmon, cherries and meat, are exported to the Philippines.

Ambassador Morales highlighted opportunities for greater cooperation in advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding and the maritime sector, noting the strong maritime and defence cooperation between the Philippines and Australia as the two countries mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. He also noted the growing Philippine investment footprint in Tasmania, including ACEN’s renewable energy projects at Jim’s Plain and Robbins Island.

He also highlighted the growing Philippine investment presence in Tasmania, including ACEN’s renewable energy projects at Jim’s Plain and Robbins Island, while showcasing investment opportunities in the Philippines as the country continues its strong economic growth and joins the World Bank’s upper-middle-income country classification in 2026.

Consul General Domingo underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties, including through international education and potential collaboration on the upskilling of Filipino seafarers. Building Tasmania briefed the delegation on Tasmania’s capabilities in marine engineering and innovation, maritime research and training, as well as the valuable contributions of Filipino workers to the Tasmanian economy.

The Philippines and Tasmania are building connections across business, industry, education and communities. These links provide a strong foundation for deeper engagement under the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership.- END

#PHAU80YEARS 🇵🇭🇦🇺