PRESS RELEASE
Philippine Embassy, Canberra
1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*
07 November 2025, MANILA / CANBERRA – The Philippines and Australia reaffirmed their strong and growing economic partnership during the 4th Philippines- Australia Trade, Investment and Industry Dialogue (PATIID) convened online on 07 November 2025.
The Dialogue was co-chaired by Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty of the Philippine’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and First Assistant Secretary Ravi Kewalram of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), with the Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Antonio A. Morales, the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Marc Innes-Brown, and other officials from both governments in attendance.
In his remarks, Ambassador Morales highlighted the elevation of relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2023 and the upcoming 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026. The Ambassador emphasized that the Philippines is complementing Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 by pursuing a more proactive and outward-looking trade and investment policy to advance shared prosperity and strengthen regional economic engagement. Australia likewise expressed its support for the Philippines’ Chairship of ASEAN in 2026.
The discussions underscored positive trends in bilateral trade and investment, with both sides noting sustained investor interest and increasing alignment in priority sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, critical minerals, and infrastructure. Participants discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation in economic security, digital transformation, and agriculture and biosecurity, and agreed to advance collaboration in supply chain resilience, public-private partnerships, and digital connectivity. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system, including close cooperation under the WTO and regional trade agreements.
Australia is the Philippines’ 15th largest trading partner and 19th export market in 2024, with bilateral trade reaching about US$3.3 billion. - END
