The Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCHAM) had the honor of hosting Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Hon. Don Farrell, with his wife, Mrs. Nimfa Farrell, at an exclusive dinner held at Makati Shangri-La. The evening brought together ANZCHAM’s Board of Directors and Secretariat. During the dinner, ANZCHAM showcased its initiatives and highlighted the value it delivers not only to its members but also to the broader Philippine business community and the Australia-New Zealand business network in the Philippines.
The Minister commended ANZCHAM’s efforts and emphasized that the Chamber’s initiatives are “absolutely vital” in advancing shared goals, particularly in diversifying markets and strengthening economic partnerships.
In Minister Farrell’s remarks, he underscored the growing importance of Southeast Asia as a key driver of global economic growth. He pointed out the Philippines’ remarkable progress, noting its economic expansion, which presents a wealth of opportunities for partnership and collaboration.
“All of the things that you think about the Philippines, the growth in the population, the economic growth, the skilled workforce, is just amazing,”
Minister Farrell said.
“[The Philippines] have got everything that we need to boost our own economy.”
Minister Farrell further highlighted Australia’s renewed focus on the region, guided by the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. He pointed to renewable energy, agriculture, and technology as key sectors for deepening collaboration between the two countries. He also celebrated the cultural ties between Australia and the Philippines, citing the growing Filipino-Australian community, and the increasing prominence of Tagalog as one of Australia’s most spoken languages.
As the evening concluded, ANZCHAM reaffirmed its commitment to driving opportunities for its members and supporting the growth of trade and investment between Australia and the Philippines. The meeting served as a powerful reminder of the shared aspirations of the two nations and the pivotal role ANZCHAM plays in fostering a thriving and sustainable partnership.