Engineering a Stronger Australia-Philippines Trade Future

We are proud to announce that the Export Council of Australia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (IIEE)

This partnership creates new opportunities for collaboration between Australian and Filipino professionals in the electrical engineering and infrastructure sectors. It focuses on the exchange of best practices, technical expertise, and the development of joint commercial projects.

More than a technical alliance, this MOU reflects a shared commitment to deepening two-way trade and investment between our nations. By fostering strategic partnerships and encouraging industry-led innovation, we aim to unlock new opportunities across energy, manufacturing, and smart infrastructure. These are areas where our countries bring complementary strengths.

We look forward to working closely with IIEE to transform shared knowledge into shared prosperity. This collaboration is powered by the exceptional talent, technical depth, and entrepreneurial spirit found in both Australia and the Philippines.

Export Ready Workshops in Papua New Guinea

Last week, Export Council of Australia was proud to deliver Export Ready Workshops in Port Moresby and Lae, as part of the APEC Growing Indigenous Business Through Trade Initiative—funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and supported by the Papua New Guinea National Trade Office (NTO), a key agency within the PNG Government.

Led by ECA Chair Dianne Tipping and Senior Manager Stefanie Harter, the workshops welcomed 36 entrepreneurs from across PNG, representing sectors including agriculture (coffee, vanilla, spices, cocoa), jewellery, tech, consulting, and tourism.

The energy was high, with participants eager to learn, share, and expand their businesses. The program focused on practical tools and peer learning to help businesses take confident steps into international markets. Topics included market entry strategies, Incoterms, HS codes, payment methods, IP protection, alternative business models, and international pricing.

Strong female leadership was a clear highlight at the workshops. There was deep pride in heritage, a commitment to quality, and a readiness to engage globally. There is significant potential for these businesses to grow and for new opportunities to follow. And so we look forward to continued collaboration between DFAT, ECA, and the NTO to support capability, market access, and long-term resilience.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the Australian Acting Consul-General Claudia Cooney for her inspiring remarks in Lae, and to Ruby Yamina for her engagement with participants. We would also like to acknowledge Katherine Vouzas from DFAT’s APEC Team for supporting this initiative.

Special appreciation to the team at the National Trade Office—Rebecca Maniat, Ipili Yapu, Loh Waisa, and Elina Leo—for their generous support throughout the program design and delivery.

We also acknowledge the invaluable facilitation support from Dr. Joel Waramboi (Wia Trade Enterprise) and John Byrne (Lae Chamber of Commerce & Industry), who separately enabled and encouraged attendance from a wide range of businesses.

Thank you to all participating entrepreneurs—we look forward to seeing your businesses grow, your networks deepen, and your stories reach global markets.

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Dr. Joel Waramboi from Wia Trade Enterprise Limited, Solomon Sar from Sojona Integrated Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihood, John Byrne from Lae Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ruth Bihoro from Salamata GH & Tours, Janise Banjoi from Lae City Tourism Bureau and Lae City Authority, Maine Winny from Lae City Tourism Bureau and Lae City Authority, Danny Miag from Lae City Tourism Bureau and Lae City Authority, Jimmy John from Lae Tourism Services and Culture and Tourism Marketing, Pamela Yanna from Tami Arts and Craft Trade & Cruise Shipping, Albertha Linibi from Women in Agriculture Association, Tony Walega from Southern Enterprise Service, Marilyn Menz from LNM Services PNG, Rebecca Ambok from Nakama Agribusiness, Margret Papau from Maggies Farm, Jeremiah Nii from Baiyer Agro, Kwina Ambang from Agro Tourism Business. Tina Manamb from Kumul Organics, Meisy Edmung from Oshin Organics, Nellie Vamari from Central Mamina Coffee, Israelyn Daga from Central Mamina Coffe, Florence Kaen from Pairon’s Boutique, Susan Piari from Pairon’s Boutique, Mark Paul from Masa Coffee Producers, Priscilla Kevin from PNG ICT Cluster, Vagiriki Dickson from PNG ICT Cluster, Jeromy Kevin from Kokonas, John Susub from Fresh Produce Development, Maureen Charlie from Bilum & Bilas Foundation, Selina Navi from Bilum & Bilas Foundation, Finely Jacob from Muguaneh Coffee, Yole Kapili from SME Corporation, Luke William from SME Corporation, Morris Bogive from Melah’s Fashion Tailoring, Martha Raka from Co Advantage Alliance, Ghamug from Mountain Kava Limited, Debbrah Yalu from PNG Solardry Limited