Philippines president Benigno Aquino 111 due after Labour Weekend

Prime Minister John Key will host the President of the Philippines for discussions on two-way trade and other bilateral matters straight after Labour Weekend (October 22-23)

President Benigno Aquino III – visiting NZ for the first time – will be accompanied by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario, other members of the President’s Cabinet and a large trade delegation.

“The Philippines’ economy is growing strongly, and President Aquino’s administration is making progress to improve the business environment as well as peace and security,” said Key. “Our ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement offers many opportunities for increasing two-way trade. This potential is reinforced by New Zealand’s growing Filipino community.”

The Philippines is an important market for New Zealand dairy exports and it is expected discussions will include how the two countries can collaborate further in dairy development. The geothermal industry, tourism and aviation are also expected to be raised.

A Philippines advance guard is already in New Zealand.