PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

06 May 2025, SYDNEY - Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio Morales met with Macquarie Group CEO Shemara Wikramanayake on 30 April 2025 to discuss the implementation of the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and the trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.

Ambassador Morales expressed appreciation for Ms. Wikramanayake's contributions as the Australian Government's Business Champion for the Philippines. He highlighted the areas of agriculture and food security, education and skills, resources, renewable energy, infrastructure and the digital economy as priority sectors for investment. The Ambassador emphasized the Philippines’ strong economic fundamentals and push for sustainability and digital transformation.

Ms. Wikramanayake shared insights from her visit to the Philippines in September 2024 where she led a Southeast Asia Business Exchange (SEABX) mission. The delegation, composed of representatives from banks, telecommunications and superfunds engaged Philippine government agencies and major conglomerates. She noted the SEABX’s positive reception of regulatory reforms, including the establishment of green lanes for strategic investments.

The meeting explored areas for deeper engagement and reaffirmed the commitment to promoting inclusive growth and stronger economic ties between the Philippines and Australia.

Macquarie has a significant presence in the Philippines, operating for over 20 years as a leading infrastructure asset manager, a top-four international broker, and a principal investor and advisor in infrastructure and energy. The company employs more than 1,000 people in Manila to support its global operations. – END