An interview with Austrade Commissioner Luisa Rust
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“Trade and investment ties between Australia and the Philippines are robust and steadily growing, underpinned by strong bilateral agreements and shared strategic interests. Two-way trade is at $10.7 billion in 2024, with the Philippines being Australia’s 20th largest two-way goods and services trading partner. There are over 250 Australian companies operating in the Philippines employing more than 40 thousand Filipinos.”
(Austrade Commissioner Luisa Rust)
Luisa Rust is the Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at the Australian Embassy in Manila. She has over 20 years international business experience in public and private sector roles. These include Australian Consul (Commercial) and Trade Commission in Shanghai from 2010 to 2014. She has also held short-term roles in Singapore and Japan.
Her recent role was leading Austrade’s delivery of the Australia Southeast Asia Business Exchange Program – The Australian Government’s flagship program supporting the Australia Southeast Asia Economic Strategy. Luisa holds a Master of Business, International Marketing from University of Technology, Sydney and is a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney.
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In July 2024, the Philippine Australian Trade and Investment Commission (or Austrade) welcomed Luisa Rust their newly appointed Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner and Minister-Counsellor (Commercial) in the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.
Her role as the Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to the Philippines is to promote Australian exports and attract investment to Australia and the Philippines. Together with her experienced team, they create connections, provide advice and support to Australian business and investors to establish trade and investment ties with the Philippines.
Philippine Resources Journal presents this exclusive interview with Luisa Rust. In this feature, she shared her insights about the Philippines, the advantages of building trade relations in this country, and how the Australian government through Austrade has been supporting the Philippine economy.
PRJ: Since your arrival in the Philippines in July 2024, how have you found our country so far in terms of culture, climate, the people, and trade? Is it your first time here?
LR: I first came to Philippines in July 2024 and moved here for 3-year assignment. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year. The standout impression I have is the wonderful talent and vibrancy of Filipinos. I have a fabulous and experienced Austrade Team that are hardworking and committed to supporting the growth of the Australia Philippines trade and investment relationship.
I also have enjoyed the open warmth and collaboration of the Philippine business community and government. The generous sharing of insights, opportunities by the business community has really supported Austrade and the Australian Embassy to facilitate trade and investment.
More importantly, I want to thank Marc Innes-Brown, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, for his unwavering support to the programs and advocacies of Austrade Manila. His contribution in helping deliver the SEA Economic Strategy to 2040 has been vital as we continue to strengthen our strategic partnership and celebrate the 80-year bilateral relations of Australia and the Philippines.
PRJ: What are some of the strengths and advantages that you see in the Philippines in terms of encouraging Australian companies to do business here?
LR: The Philippines possesses several key strengths that make it highly attractive to Australian companies. Its young and dynamic workforce is English-speaking and tech-savvy, which supports diverse industries from IT to manufacturing and services. The growing middle class and increasing consumer demand also present promising opportunities for market expansion.
Government initiatives aimed at easing business regulations and strengthening digital economy policies provide a more conducive environment for foreign companies to establish and grow operations.
The country's strategic location in Southeast Asia serves as a gateway to ASEAN markets. The proximity of Australia to the Philippines is also an advantage. It takes no more than eight hours from Sydney to Manila, and we only have a two-hour difference in time zone.
PRJ: How would you describe the current state of trade and investment relations between Australia and the Philippines? Are there specific sectors where Australian businesses have been particularly active or successful in recent years?
LR: Trade and investment ties between Australia and the Philippines are robust and steadily growing, underpinned by strong bilateral agreements and shared strategic interests. Two-way trade is at $10.7 billion in 2024, with the Philippines being Australia’s 20th largest two-way goods and services trading partner. There are over 250 Australian companies operating in the Philippines employing more than 40 thousand Filipinos.
In the Philippines, Australia has significant engagements in sectors such as energy, mining, agrifood and education. Yindjibarndi (First Nation) Corporation partnered with Ayala Corporation Energy (ACEN) to bring a 750MW combined, wind, solar and battery storage facility to Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Another ACEN investment to Australia is the 900 MW Valley of the Wind in NSW.
There are two Australian mining investments in the Philippines: Blackstone Minerals doing exploration activities at Mankayan and Celsius Resources through its local company, Makilala Mining Company, Inc is moving towards construction with initial development activities underway.
PRJ: What are the key priorities of Austrade in the Philippines for 2026 and beyond? How does Austrade align its efforts with the Philippine government’s economic agenda?
LR: Australia’s key priorities in the Philippines for 2026 and beyond, centre on fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth with a strong emphasis on the green economy. Australia aims to support the Philippines in accelerating its clean energy transition by leveraging Australia’s expertise in critical minerals, renewable energy technologies, and energy security.
In partnership with Austmine, the mining industry body of Australia, Austrade initiatives include dissemination of industry reports, trade and investment mining missions, and training programs designed to provide practical advice to Australian METS eager to enter or expand in the Philippine mining sector.
PRJ: What role does Austrade play in helping Australian businesses enter or expand in the Philippine market? Can you share examples of recent success stories?
LR: The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) acts as a critical facilitator and enabler for Australian businesses looking to establish or expand their footprint in the Philippines. Beyond market insights and advisory, Austrade provides practical support such as identifying local partners, facilitating introductions with key stakeholders including government agencies and industry leaders, and assisting with regulatory guidance. We also promote Australian innovations and capabilities through trade missions, and sector-specific events.
Success stories? There are many. Some examples are the FTAA renewal of OceanaGold Philippines which involved whole-of-government assistance to OGPI; the partnership between TruFlo Pumps and Crusader Hose with Power Systems; the investment of ACEN in Australia, which I mentioned earlier; and the partnership of Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited and First Balfour for the 5 km NLEX Candaba viaduct and contract packages for the South Commuter Railway Project.
PRJ: In relation to the recent Philippine Delegation to Brisbane for the GRX25 Global Resources Innovation Expo last May, could you share with us some updates or insights regarding Australian mining companies or machinery suppliers who showed interest in doing business with the Philippines?
LR: The GRX25 last May opened opportunities for Australian METS. There were good technical discussions between Australian METS and the mission delegates from Nickel Asia, Makilala Mining, Apex Mining, Blackstone Minerals, and Genluiching Mining Corporation. Yes, there were two contracts signed after GRX but I leave it up to the concerned parties to disclose details on these. Suffice to say, there are ongoing discussions between Australian METS and Philippine mining companies because of GRX and other series of webinars held prior to GRX.
As mentioned, Austrade is organising an Australian Sustainable Mining Mission to the Philippines on 17-20 November. There will be 28 Australian METS to ANMSEC in Baguio and will showcase their innovative capabilities in construction, mining operations, processing, project development and consulting engineering services, etc. This mission will help Australian companies navigate the regulatory landscape, understand market opportunities, expand business networks, and foster long-term economic partnerships in the Philippines. I would like to invite you to the Austrade lounge located at the Activity Area of the exhibition hall in Baguio.
PRJ: What is your outlook on future business opportunities between Australia and the Philippines over the next five years? What emerging sectors should both countries pay closer attention to?
LR: Outlook for next five years is very positive. In my short time in Philippines, we are very encouraged by the positive reforms by the current administration providing certainty for exporters and investors. The industry is also undergoing a digital transformation, adopting technologies such as IoT sensors, automation, real-time equipment tracking, and immersive training solutions. Australian investors are coming back to the market, and I hope to see greater number of Australian companies involved in Philippine Mining sector lifecycle from exploration, development, mining operations through to end of mine life, rehabilitation, and repurposing. In 5 years, I hope to see the Philippine mining sector making a greater contribution to the Philippine economy supporting GDP growth, tax revenue, and jobs on regional communities. Most importantly I ambitiously hope Philippines could become a global leader in sustainable and responsible mining. Through collaboration with Australian exporters and investors I believe we can make positive steps towards this aspiration.
PRJ: Finally, what message would you like to share with our readers—particularly those in the business community—on how they can support or engage with Austrade’s work in the Philippines?
LR: Philippine mining companies looking to innovate and grow are warmly encouraged to connect with the Australian Embassy in the Philippines to explore the wealth of opportunities available through collaboration with Australian Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services (METS) providers. Specifically, Austrade offers a range of support including trade missions, business matching, market insights, and access to events like the Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX), International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) which bring together industry leaders from both countries, and around the globe.
I invite Philippine miners to meet the Australian METS at the Australia Lounge in ANMSEC Baguio on 19-20 November. By engaging with Austrade and Australian METS, you can generate insights, foster meaningful relationships, and identify collaboration opportunities which can help elevate your competitiveness while advancing responsible and innovative mining in the country.
Oh, by the way, I enjoyed playing golf with the business community last month. It’s good to meet businessmen in an informal setting, outside their offices. I love the outdoor and the greens. Yes, I’d like to play golf with the mining industry.
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With Additional Reporting by James Konstantin Galvez
