President Marcos on Monday, March 4, trumpeted the expansion of Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), a subsidiary of Manila-based International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) in Australia, saying it is a “shining example” of Filipino expertise.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos (left) speaks at the launch of the Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) expansion in Melbourne, Australia on Monday, March 4, 2024. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)

The Chief Executive, who led the launch, is in Australia until March 6 for the Special Summit to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Australia Dialogue Relations.

In his speech, he underscored ICTSI’s use of modern technology in its operations as it becomes “a shining example of Filipino expertise contributing to the smooth flow of trade and commerce” in the world.

“Since ICTSI came to Australia in 2014 to establish the Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), we are now seeing and are delighted to do so, to watch the application of cutting-edge technology and automation in improving efficiency and productivity,” Marcos said.

“Being the only fully-automated container terminal in the southern hemisphere is a great feat worthy of admiration. VICT shows us that we need not be afraid of technology and automation,” he added.

He remarked that the use of modern technology in the container terminal industry led to a safer working environment, minimized old occupational hazards, and improved the health and lifestyle of its workers.

The President also acknowledged how VICT is a “Philippine success story” and that he hopes “it will only be the beginning.”

“This expansion we are witnessing today is a clear sign that Filipino companies can thrive in some of the most advanced economies in the world, and in the case of VICT, they are in it for the long haul. We look forward to VICT’s astounding success and continued growth,” Marcos said.

Many more companies, he added, could follow VICT’s footsteps because of the “groundwork” he had laid through the Strategic Partnership he signed with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year.

The President also expressed hope that these success stories could happen “in many different sectors and possibly two-way investments to allow Australian businesses to also take part in the exciting economic prospects that we are now witnessing in the Philippines.”

The agreement signed in September last year aims to elevate the bilateral ties of the Philippines and Australia from comprehensive to strategic partnership.

Noting that Filipino investments in Australia are thriving, Marcos shared that he looks forward to mutual economic prosperity through the vibrant economic partnership of the two countries.

“Today, we inaugurate a facility, remotely, that will be here for years to come. This facility is built for the long-haul, akin to the partnership of our two nations,” he said.

“I am confident that it will be a witness to a future to be defined by closer economic cooperation, a more dynamic and fruitful collaboration between the Philippines and Australia,” the President added.