Negros eyes closer cooperation with Australia

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental is eyeing stronger economic ties with Australia, particularly in the area of agricultural development.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Anthony John Hely and Counsellor for Development Cooperation Angus Edward Macdonald met with Acting Gov. Isidro Zayco and local executives, including Negrense Reps. Tranquilino Carmona, Alfredo Marañon Jr., Carlos Cojuangco and Genaro Alvarez Jr. here over the weekend.

Former Rep. Jules Ledesma and Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco were also present during the dialogue which was described by Zayco as a "signal of closer relationship between Negros Occidental and Australia."

The envoy was in the province for a private weekend visit with Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco in Hacienda Balbina, Pontevedra.

Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco was described by Hely as someone "very important to Australia" being the largest investor in his country.

The elder Cojuangco has a farm with horses, grapes, olives and almonds in Australia.

Hely also said San Miguel Corp., which Cojuangco chairs, has invested heavily in the food and beverage sector in his country.

We are marking the 60th year of Philippine-Australian relations, Hely said, adding that he was pleasantly surprised that trade between Australia and Negros Occidental dates back to 149 years ago.

Zayco, in his speech, noted that in March 1, 1859, the first export of 270 tons of raw sugar from Negros and Panay was shipped to Melbourne, Australia.

There is a long-standing partnership between our countries and we are bound by many commonalities. "Our countries are both English-speaking democracies, we have shared values and we share a long-term relationship with the United States," he said.