PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

21 April 2026, MELBOURNE - Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio Morales, together with Consul General Hon. Jesus Gary Domingo, paid a courtesy call on Hon Steve Dimopoulos, Victoria’s Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Sport and Major Events, to discuss opportunities to further strengthen Philippines-Victoria trade and investment relations.

Ambassador Morales congratulated Minister Dimopoulos on his appointment and underscored the strength of the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership as both countries celebrate 80 years of diplomatic ties this year. He emphasized the need to increase two-way trade investment and highlighted the Philippines’ economic potential as a dynamic market of over 110 million people.

The Ambassador also shared the steady growth of Philippine investments in Victoria, citing major developments led by companies such as Ayala Corporation Energy (ACEN) and San Miguel Corporation. He noted that Hotel101 Global, a subsidiary of the Philippines-based DoubleDragon Corporation, has finalized plans to develop a 766-room hotel in Melbourne’s CBD, which is expected to become the largest hotel in the city upon completion in 2029.

Ambassador Morales further underscored the continued expansion of the Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) at the Port of Melbourne, which now holds a 43% market share. VICT is the largest Philippine investment in Victoria and the first and only fully automated container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere. To date, more than A$1.3 billion has been invested by the Razon Group’s International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) in its development and ongoing expansion.

Consul General Domingo underscored the vital contribution of the Filipino community in Australia, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, trades, and hospitality, as well as their role in enriching Victoria’s culinary landscape through initiatives led by the Filipino Chefs’ Association of Victoria.

Ambassador Morales noted that the Philippines is currently the seventh-largest source of international students in Victoria. The Philippines has collaboration with leading institutions such as Monash, La Trobe, RMIT, and the University of Melbourne.

Consul General Domingo, noting the Minister’s portfolio in sport and major events, highlighted the contribution of Filipino talent to Melbourne’s international sporting calendar. He noted that the Kooyong Classic and the Australian Open saw strong support from the Filipino community with the participation of rising Filipino tennis player Alex Eala.

Minister Dimopoulos expressed interest in strengthening investment flows and invited the Philippine side to facilitate connections with Filipino business leaders interested in opportunities in Victoria. He also acknowledged the role of migration in shaping Victoria’s multicultural identity and vibrant food culture. He also explored opportunities to further showcase Filipino cuisine through the state’s major food and wine events in Melbourne using high-quality local produce. The Minister also conveyed openness to supporting initiatives that promote Filipino culture.

The Philippines is Victoria’s 28th largest two-way merchandise trading partner and 15th largest export market. It is also Victoria’s 20th largest source market of Foreign Direct Investment with key sectors including renewable energy, port infrastructure and food and beverages. - END

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