I'd like to acknowledge Vice President Scott Morris, Executive Director Jaclin Craig, colleagues from the ADB, and distinguished Philippine Government partners, including the Public-Private Partnership Center.
I extend my appreciation to the Australian delegation and partners for participating.
It's wonderful to be back in the Philippines again.
Each time I come here, I am struck by the energy and opportunity that's present in the Philippines and across the region.
It's something that you are all no doubt familiar with.
Because forums like this provide invaluable platforms for business opportunities and for strengthening relationships.
Harnessing that energy by collaborating.
By understanding.
By listening to each other's priorities.
And by working together to create shared prosperity.
Right now, governments and businesses across Southeast Asia and the Pacific are investing in the sectors that will support the next phase of growth.
That's in infrastructure, energy systems, transport networks, and digital technologies.
Governments are seeking solutions that strengthen resilience, that support the energy transition, and that improve community outcomes.
The ADB plays a critical role in helping turn these ambitions into reality.
As a founding member of the ADB, and a longstanding partner across the region, Australia's approach has always been that success is mutual.
When the region succeeds, Australia succeeds too.
That approach underpins our Invested 2040 strategy.
It recognises that Southeast Asia is central to Australia's future prosperity.
And it emphasises the need and the opportunity for expanded engagement, stronger commercial ties and enduring partnerships.
This is not just about increasing business activity.
It's about creating stronger connections, building enduring trust, and creating long-term value for mutual benefits.
Australian firms are highly regarded across the region for their expertise, professionalism, and collaborative problem-solving.
Their strong performance in ADB-funded projects reflects this reputation.
Over the past five years, Australian consultants have been among the highest recipients supporting ADB project loans and technical assistance.
Last year, Australian firms secured more than 200 consulting contracts, together with goods, works and related services contracts valued at more than US$31 million.
The significance of these achievements extends beyond contract outcomes.
This goes to value created through relationships that have been built.
To knowledge that has been shared and capability that has been developed.
To lasting impacts that can be felt across Asia and the Pacific.
The most successful Australian businesses in Southeast Asia are those that invest in relationships, understand local priorities, engage consistently and maintain a long-term commitment.
The region's biggest opportunities are realised by organisations that approach it as a partner.
I encourage ambition, curiosity, and a long-term perspective.
I encourage you to use the week to strengthen relationships.
It is important we understand the priorities of the ADB and government partners.
We should focus on opportunities for collaboration on shared challenges and shared goals, not only individual projects.
Australia has the expertise, experience and reputation to make a meaningful contribution across Southeast Asia.
There are strong opportunities to deepen engagement with the region.
I encourage you all to maximise conversations and connections during the Business Opportunities Fair.
The partnerships formed here may shape opportunities across the region for years to come.
Thank you.