Hail To The Chief!

MANILA – Canberra praised Filipino leader Gloria Arroyo for the successful implementation of the Philippine government’s fiscal reform measures, noting that the continuing expansion of the local economy and growing confidence of the international financial and business communities.

"President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo deserves our congratulations for the strengthening economic outlook, and our encouragement and our commitment to support her ongoing economic reform efforts," a government statement quoted Australian Ambassador to Manila Tony Hely, as saying.

Hely personally conveyed his message to the President during the recent anniversary dinner of the Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCHAM) Philippines Inc. at the Grand Ballroom of Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City.

He assured Arroyo that the Australian government will continue its strong partnership with the Philippines to attain its goal of improving the quality of life of every Filipino.

Hely said the growing Australian commercial ties and interest in the Philippines clearly demonstrate their strong support to the Arroyo administration.He noted that the commercial links between the Philippines and Australia continue to flourish and diversify as shown by their two-way trade which exhibits "very strong growth" in 2006.

All of these, according to Hely, are part of the effective leadership of the President despite persistent political noise in the country. Hely also cited the huge investment (Australian $4 billion) of San Miguel Corporation, the country’s largest food and beverage company, in the Australian food and beverage market.

In return, there are 13 Australian companies investing in mineral exploration in the Philippines at present, he said.

For his part, Ambassador David Pine of New Zealand said the silver anniversary celebration of ANZCHAM Philippines is a perfect example of the well-built relationship that has flourished among the Philippines, New Zealand and Australia.

Pine said the decision of New Zealand and Australia to form a single company to engage in mineral development in the Philippines signified their vote of confidence in the President’s leadership and her government.

"We wish you well in your efforts to create the conditions for successful investment – including your policies to strengthen the infrastructure and governance – as well as your efforts to improve the competitiveness of the Philippine economy and, of course, raise the living conditions of all Filipinos," Pine said.

During the same rites, Environment and Natural Resources Angelo Reyes together with Hely and Pine, signed the Merger Transaction Agreement (MTA) between Climax Mining Ltd. of Australia and Oceana Gold Ltd. of New Zealand, and presented it to the President.

Completed on November 6, the MTA is a partnership between the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand to further stimulate the development of Didipio Gold-Copper Project at the mountainous village of Didipio in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.

The agreement is another clear indication of the strong commitment of Australia and New Zealand to promote the development of a sustainable mining industry in the country based on the international principles of corporate social responsibility in relation to community and environment development.

The 25th silver anniversary of ANZCHAM also marked the 60 years of diplomatic relations of the Philippines with Australia, and 40 years with New Zealand.