By Henry Empeño | September 27, 2024

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Australian businessmen met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) here recently in search of investment opportunities in one of the premier economic zones in the country.

Connie da Cunha, founder and president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines (CCIAP) Inc., along with some prospective investors, discussed prospects in tourism, renewable energy and manufacturing with SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño during the visit.

Da Cunha, who is also executive chairman at Phoenix Australia Energy Group Pty. Ltd., also met with officials of the Subic Bay Taiwan Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFTCC), as well as Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD) Executive Director Carminda Z. Fabro.

Da Cunha has handled complex projects across diverse industries, including infrastructure, ICT, transport, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy, and is said to be actively involved in the start-up and innovation ecosystems in Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Mongolia. 

The visit by Da Cunha and other CCIAP officials on Sept. 20 was part of the Australia inbound mission that looked at local trade and investment opportunities, the SBMA said. 

SBMA Business and Investment Department for Manufacturing & Maritime Manager Karen Magno briefed the visitors on the state of Australian businesses in Subic Bay, and the perks received by Subic investors.

Subic-based businessmen, meanwhile, pointed out the ease of doing business in Subic, as well as the availability of English-speaking labor force.

“With its strategic location and skilled workforce, Subic Bay presents an exceptional environment for businesses eager to expand their operations in Southeast Asia,” said Darlow Parazo, president of Subic-based Australian business process outsourcing firm DBA Global.

Subic Bay Taiwan Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFTCC) president Best Chang, on the other hand, spoke on the benefits of investing in Subic, adding that companies can expect to work efficiently with the assurance of continuing support from the SBMA.

The SBMA said a total of 24 Australian-owned companies are located in the Subic Bay Freeport today, with some US$11.7-million worth of investments and employment of a total of 643 workers.

The top five biggest Australian locators in Subic are STG Global Corp., a steel-fabrication company with US$3.5-million investments; air transport company Platinum Skies Aviation Inc. with US$1.4-milllion; food processing equipment manufacturer Dunbrae Subic Inc. with US$860,000; furniture manufacturer Beurteaux Subic Inc. with US$630,000; and logistics hub Orica Philippines Inc. with US$610,000. 