All the Best - From Australia: Celebrating the Philippines Centenary of Independence

Speech by the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, The Hon Tim Fischer

Sydney, 29 July 1998

A major Australian festival, "All the Best -from Australia " to celebrate the Philippines Centenary of Independence, was launched in Sydney today by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Tim Fischer.

The month long festival, which will be centred in Manila in November this year, is Australia's contribution to the Philippines centennial celebrations. It will feature a range of events covering business, science and technology, culture, defence, education and sport.

"A key component of All the Best -from Australia is a three-day Trade and Investment Forum, attracting both Australian and Philippines government and business leaders. Austrade will manage the forum, and coordinate a number of sectoral business missions in agribusiness, infrastructure and construction and information technology and telecommunications," Mr Fischer said.

"A series of Doing Business in Australia seminars will demonstrate to Philippines investors the attractive nature of the Australian market," he said.

Mr Fischer said "All the Best- would reflect Australia's unique diversity: its rich indigenous history and contemporary influences from the mo ' re than 140 cultures represented in the Australian community. It would showcase Australian achievements and provide a platform to develop deeper mutual awareness and partnership between Australia and the Philippines.

Private corporations from both countries are providing valuable support. The major sponsors are National Mutual International of Australia, and the Queensland and Western Australian Governments. The Philippines company San Miguel, the Australian-based Tenix Defence Systems, ANZ and P&O Australia will sponsor the Trade and Investment Forum.

Two-way trade between Australia and the Philippines has grown from less than A$711 million in 1992 to more than A$1.7 billion in 1997, a 140 per cent increase.

"Australia and the Philippines share a common outlook on many key regional and international issues, particularly in the economic and security spheres. The Philippines' democratic political system and sound economic fundamentals make it an attractive regional partner," Mr Fischer said.

Media Inquiries: DFAT - Tony Melville - (02) 62611555