Zobel-led Ayala Corporation, the country’s oldest conglomerate, has signed a cooperation arrangement with the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) to explore potential business and collaborative opportunities.
In a statement, the firm said the signing took place last April 19, when New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited Ayala Corporation's headquarters during his official state visit to the Philippines.
2nd Row: New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise General Manager of International Clare Wilson
The signing was led by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise CEO Peter Chrisp, Ayala Corporation CEO Cezar Consing, and Ayala Corporation Chief Finance Officer Albert de Larrazabal.
It was witnessed by Prime Minister Luxon, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise General Manager of International Clare Wilson, and Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.
Describing the Philippines as one of the fastest growing economies in the region, Prime Minister Luxon introduced to Ayala group a delegation of senior business leaders from different industries, including manufacturing, airline, food & beverage, education, and energy.
"We are excited that there is renewed interest for New Zealand to explore opportunities in our country. Likewise, we are interested in what we can learn from our Kiwi friends across a wide range of industries and sectors," Zobel said in his welcome remarks.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Prime Minister Luxon said he looks forward identifying how his business delegation can work with Ayala for the benefit of New Zealand and the Philippines.
"We're very grateful to be here. This [Ayala] is a conglomerate with huge capabilities and huge interests in multiple sectors across the Philippine economy," he said.