A high-profile Australian trade and investment mission is scheduled to take place in Manila this week, aimed at strengthening economic ties between Australia and the Philippines.

The delegation, comprising 14 Australian businesses and led by Shemara Wikramanayake, managing director and chief executive officer of Macquarie Group, will explore investment opportunities within the Philippines' expanding economy.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. HK Yu, PSM, FCPA, said that Canberra is committed to partnering with the Philippines to support its goal of becoming an upper middle-income economy in the near future.

“This business mission is our Strategic Partnership in action. The Philippines' need for high-quality investment in capital, expertise, and technology aligns perfectly with Australia's strengths,” Yu said in a statement on Monday, Sept. 2.

The delegation will meet with senior government officials and major Philippine conglomerates, as well as Australian companies with successful operations in the country. 

They will also receive briefings from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on co-investment opportunities.

Key discussions will focus on investment and regulatory frameworks in sectors such as agrifood, infrastructure, transportation, and energy. These areas are aligned with the Philippine government’s priorities and Australia’s expertise.

Currently, over 250 Australian companies operate in the Philippines, employing more than 44,000 Filipinos. The mission aims to promote the Philippines as an investment destination and a hub for Australian business expansion in Southeast Asia.

The delegation includes executives from major Australian pension funds, institutional investors, and corporations such as Australian Super, Future Fund, and Telstra, along with key agribusiness firms like Bega Foods and Costa Group.