Manila: Australia and the Philippines are looking to finalize a deal that would expand cooperation on vocational education and training opportunities for Filipino nationals. Visiting Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite, announced the agreement will come in the form of a memorandum of understanding between the South Australian government and the Department of Education (DepEd).

According to Philippines News Agency, Thistlethwaite made the confirmation as he leads 25 Australian education providers for the 5th Southeast Asia Business Exchange transnational education and upskilling mission to the Philippines on March 18. He highlighted the Philippine government's recognition of the need to upskill its population and its willingness to partner with international institutions like Australian universities and vocational education providers to achieve this goal.

The official emphasized that the Philippine government has made significant progress by inquiring into the industry and developing a policy roadmap. The next step is for Australia to collaborate with the Filipino people and the government to implement this roadmap successfully. Canberra is currently focused on enhancing education cooperation with Manila as it aims to attract more Southeast Asian nationals to study in Australia.

Under its 2040 Southeast Asia Economic Strategy, Australia prioritizes investments in education and capacity building through technical assistance in the region. Beyond educational offerings, Thistlethwaite noted that Australia's workforce shortages present significant opportunities for Filipinos, given Australia's ageing population and the resulting gaps in its workforce.

In addition to promoting Australian educational opportunities, Thistlethwaite's visit to the Philippines aimed to evaluate increased trade and investment potential in various sectors, including renewable energy, digital economy, infrastructure, and agriculture.