PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

Philippines declared a priority for engagement by the Northern Territory Government

Ambassador De La Vega (fourth from left) received a comprehensive briefing from officials of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade of the Northern Territory Government on 27 June 2022.

01 July 2022, CANBERRA – Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega met with officials from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade of the Northern Territory Government at the Charles Darwin Centre on 27 June 2022. Strategy and Policy General Manager Mr. Luis Da Rocha gave a briefing on the economy and investment opportunities in the Territory. Strategic Engagement Executive Director Ms. Wendy Pritchard gave an overview of the Northern Territory’s international engagement and trade.

The Northern Territory Government recently released its new International Engagement Strategy 2022-2026 which focuses on harnessing the Northern Territory’s natural strengths and expanding its global reach to secure a resilient and prosperous economic future. The Strategy has identified the Philippines as a priority market for increased diplomatic, trade and investment engagements.

Opportunities for enhanced Philippine-Northern Territory Government engagements can be built on existing export trades of education and training, defense and maritime services, and potentials for horticulture, health services, and public sector internship programs. These opportunities support the Northern Territory Government’s set goals for the Territory’s economic growth namely, a A$40 billion economy by 2030, diversification of sectors and markets, net zero economy by 2050, creation of 35,000 more jobs by 2030, and a boost of population beyond 300,000.

In line with the vision of a A$40 billion economy by 2030, the Northern Territory Government has committed A$85 million annually into the skill and training sector to facilitate growth in workforce to meet community and economic needs. Strategy and Partnerships, Business and Workforce Executive Director Tracy Clark said that this work is delivered alongside industry, as well as partner training organizations and educational institutions.

Ambassador De La Vega expressed the Philippines’ readiness to engage with the Northern Territory. She discussed the country’s pace of economic recovery recording a GDP growth of 5.7 percent in 2021. She added that the Philippines has established the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) Initiative to build skills and competencies for upskilling of its workforce.

Ambassador De La Vega also discussed the priority sectors under the Make It Happen investment campaign of the Philippines namely, IT-BPM, electronics, automotive, aviation and copper and invited the Northern Territory Government to the Pacific Business Mission in August. END