The APBC, represented by John Tantoco – Director of Communications, Events and PR, was delighted to join the Anzcham – Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines roadshow in Australia led by President Benjamin Romualdez and Executive Director Kimmi Siu Dewar. The tour kicked off with a local briefing breakfast held in Melbourne on 26 August 2024 at the W, marking a significant milestone in fostering stronger economic ties.
The morning was joined by Philippine business delegates along with industry leaders eager to explore the dynamic capabilities of the Philippines and learn how Australian companies are thriving in one of Asia’s strongest growing economies.
The briefing featured insights and remarks from distinguished figures such as Peter Horn, Deputy CEO of Austrade, who shared the latest progress for bilateral relations between Australia and the Philippines; Vivian Sulit Santos, Deputy Director General of Operations at the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, who presented investment opportunities and articulated the thriving economic landscape of the Philippines; and Jack Madrid, President & CEO of the I.T. & Business Process Association of the Philippines, who shared valuable insights on the latest trends in technology and the strong growth trend for the IT-BPM sector.
The delegation continued with an exclusive CEO Roundtable Lunch at Chancery Lane in the heart of Melbourne. This intimate gathering provided Melbourne’s top business leaders with the opportunity to exchange expertise on operating in the Philippines.
The discussion was led by Consul General Ms. Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo, Philippine Consulate General, Melbourne, who outlined the Philippines’ positive trade relationship with Australia and the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. PEZA’s Deputy Director General of Operations, Vivian Sulit Santos, delved into the practicalities of expanding business ventures into the Philippines, underscoring the country’s commitment to providing an attractive environment for foreign investments.
The day culminated in a warm Welcome Dinner at the multi-award-winning Ginger Olive, owned by Eduardo Jalijali, to celebrate the launch of this promising roadshow.
The roadshow is sure to generate exciting new opportunities and partnerships to further solidify the Philippines’ position as a premier destination for Australian businesses looking to expand into Southeast Asia.
