Mining Trade Mission to Manila

Early this month, the State Department – headed by Ms.Sallyanne Atkinson, Special Trade Representative of the Queensland Government to Far East Asia – sponsored a mining trade mission to Manila, composed of Australian businesses interested in supplying, assisting, and investing in the fast-growing mining sector in the Philippines.

Ambasssador Tony Hely – Australian ambassador to the Philippines – hosted a cocktail reception at his residence, in honour of Sallyanne and the mining mission delegates. Teresa Barredo Keating – who was in Manila at the time for her furniture import business (Flair Orientale) visiting the Furniture Fair – was invited in her capacity as president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Incorporated. The party was a great venue for the delegates to meet and network with the Filipino mining group and affiliated businesses in the country.

In his speech that evening, Ambassador Hely mentioned the inroads that the Australian mining industry has made with their Filipino counterparts. He could forsee a very good and prosperous future for both countries, based on the cooperation and good working relationship that has been established by the Queensland Government with the Philippines – through Sallyanne and the CCIAP. He was upbeat about the Philippine economy and was very positive about the continuing cooperation between Australia and the Philippines in the years to come.

Sallyanne spoke of the decidedly improved business relations between Queensland and the Philippines. She also praised the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Incorporated for the work and effort it has done in helping promote Filipino business and culture here in Queensland – saying that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Incorporated is one of the most successful and hardworking chambers that she has had the pleasure of dealing with. And with its contacts and connections in the Philippines and in Queensland, the Chamber would be a great help to any Australian company with interests in the Philippines.

There was a very good mix of people from mining and government. Ambassador Hely and his wife, Wendy, were the perfect hosts. There were canapés served all around and the Australian wine was superb. Sallyanne Atkinson and Ross Mackay from the State Department of Queensland were happy mingling with the guests. Mr. Wayne Harrison of Australian Trade Pty. Ltd.– a very active member of CCIAP – was also a member of the delegation.

Some other members of their party were Friedrich Aguasa of Elasto Plastic Concrete, Wayne Trench of Ludowici, Mark Rushbrook of Atlantic Civil Products. Austrade was represented by Allan Morrell, Senior Trade Commissioner. From the Philippine side Aremio Disini of the Chamber of Mines, Patricia Bunye of Villaraza and Angangco, and their colleagues were there to represent the Philippine mining group. Also present was Ms. Cynthia Carrion , assistant secretary to the President for Sports and Wellness.

It was a good night for camaraderie and networking and it augured well for the future of Philippine/Australian relationships.