Manila: Four leading Australian institutional investors are set to explore new investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and other strategic sectors in the Philippines, the Australian Embassy in Manila said on Tuesday. The embassy highlighted the upcoming visit of senior representatives from AustralianSuper, IFM Investors, Macquarie Asset Management, Pentagreen Capital, and Plenary Group-collectively managing assets worth AUD1.4 trillion-who will conduct a business mission to Manila from September 8 to 9.

According to Philippines News Agency, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown stated that the visit is part of Canberra's broader investment strategy in Southeast Asia. This strategy aims to facilitate a 'significant increase' in Australian investment into the Philippines, aligning with the country's ambitious plans for infrastructure, energy, and economic development. Ambassador Innes-Brown emphasized the potential for Australian investors to bring both capital and expertise to help realize these ambitions.

He also noted that the visit occurs during the 80th anniversary year of Australia-Philippines diplomatic relations, envisioning a more substantial economic partnership between the two nations. The embassy elaborated that the delegation will engage with Philippine business leaders, senior government officials, and major project sponsors to explore opportunities arising from the country's infrastructure expansion and energy transition initiatives.

The investors, who are also supported by the Australian Government's AUD2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility, possess extensive global experience in financing, developing, and managing major infrastructure, energy, and strategic assets. They also bring with them significant pools of long-term capital, positioning them as key players in the Philippines' developmental landscape.