Feb. 14 – NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell will visit the Philippines on 19 February in his first official visit of the country to meet with government representatives and business leaders.
Premier O’Farrell today met with Philippine Consul General, Anne Jalando-On Louis, at NSW Parliament ahead of his first official visit to the Philippines.
“I’m looking forward to meeting President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III who visited Sydney in 2012,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“The Philippines is an important neighbour and partner in Asia and I see this as a good opportunity to grow our relationship, and promote further trade and investment.
“Bilateral merchandise trade between NSW and the Philippines is healthy, worth almost A$636 million in 2012-13, and I believe there are opportunities for growth.
“Merchandise exports from NSW to the Philippines have increased by an impressive 39 per cent in the past five years, to be worth almost A$444 million in 2012-13.
“I welcome the opportunity to show that NSW is serious about making our education, migration and tourism links with the Philippines even stronger.
“Filipino students make up the eighth largest contingent of international enrolments in vocational education in NSW.
“I would like to see more of these students receive a first-class education here in our State and will be promoting our education services sector during my visit.”
Mr O’Farrell said he believed there was an opportunity to offer support to the Philippines, which – like NSW – has major infrastructure programs in place.
“I will also highlight our strong infrastructure services capabilities and experience in public private partnerships, which could help deliver many projects in the Philippines.”
During his visit Mr O’Farrell will join Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, and Trade and Investment Minister, Andrew Robb, during their visit to Manila to attend the Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting.