Australian investors are ramping up interest in the Philippines, particularly in the fast-growing fields of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and mining, said Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu.
In an interview during the Philippines-Australia Friendship Festival held in Makati, Ambassador Yu said that Australian companies are increasingly exploring opportunities to expand into the Philippine market, spurred by rising confidence and strong bilateral ties.
“We are getting more and more inquiries about opportunities in the Philippines, both in terms of trade, but more importantly, also with investment,” Yu said. “You will be seeing more and more Australian investment coming to the Philippines.”
Among the most promising sectors, she said, are digital economy and cybersecurity, as the Philippines pursues a more connected and digitalized society under President Marcos’s administration.
“Australian companies have a lot to offer in terms of services and cyber security. We want to help the Philippines achieve more economic growth objectives,” she said.
Mining also remains a major area of collaboration, especially following the lifting of the moratorium on open-pit mining in the Philippines. Yu said Australian mining firms are well-positioned to share expertise in sustainable practices and community-inclusive operations.
“Australia achieved its prosperity largely thanks to our mining sector. We want to help the Philippines explore its mining potential in a way that is environmentally sustainable and equitable,” she said.
She cited a successful 2023 business mission to Western Australia, which included Philippine government officials and mining firms. Delegates visited Kalgoorlie’s Super Pit to study Australian regulatory frameworks and community engagement practices in mining operations.
Looking ahead, the Australian embassy is preparing to host another mining-focused business mission in the second half of 2025, building on four missions already conducted in just over a year—covering education, technology, and other strategic sectors.
These efforts are backed by Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, launched in September 2023, which allocates resources to deepen economic engagement with the region.
“It’s not just talk. The government is putting money where our mouth is. And what we are seeing are tangible results—actual investments and growing interest from Australian companies,” said Yu.
Ambassador Yu also noted Australia’s commitment to transnational education and renewable energy, saying these areas will continue to be at the forefront of future partnerships.
The Philippines-Australia Friendship Festival, held this year at Glorietta in Makati, marks the culmination of a multi-city celebration of bilateral ties, which began in Jolo and Baguio.
“It’s very meaningful to be able to share a part of Australia with everyday Filipinos,” Yu said.
