3 new investment deals signed in New Zealand

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on his second day in New Zealand witnessed the signing of three investment agreements related to energy, food and business.

The three memorandum of agreements signed were between Energy Development Corporation and GNS Science; Alliance Select Foods International (ASFI) and Akaroa Salmon New Zealand Limited; and New Zealand-Philippines Business Council and Philippines-New Zealand Business Council.

ASFI is an exporter of canned tuna and smoked salmon products with the main processing plant in General Santos City, according to deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte.

Akaroa Salmon NZ Limited, meanwhile, produces king salmon that caters to high-end hotels and fine dining restaurants in New Zealand. 

Aiming to expand economic relations with New Zealand, Aquino attended the business forum of top business executives in New Zealand at SkyCity Auckland Convention Center.

The President delivered his keynote speech where he reiterated that the country is open for business.

The business forum provided the opportunity to explore more opportunities for trade between the Philippines and New Zealand.

Aquino likewise met with officials of the Energy Development Corporation, which is involved in exploration and production of water-based steam power and generation of electricity for commercial use. 

From Auckland, the President departed for Wellington, New Zealand.

He was accorded arrival honors and the welcome ceremony in New Zealand.

The President signed the guestbook and then attended the diplomatic reception where he had the opportunity to speak with senior officials of New Zealand and members of the diplomatic corps. 

Aquino then met with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Governor General of New Zealand for a bilateral meeting.

During the meeting, the President witnessed the signing of bilateral agreements such as geothermal energy cooperation agreement; the working holiday scheme; and the memorandum of agreement concerning defense cooperation. 
 
According to Valte, the working holiday scheme allows tourists between 18 to 30 years old, coming from either country, to go on holiday within the Philippines or New Zealand for up to 12 months.

"The participant may engage in work for the entire 12 months of stay but no longer than any three months for any given employer or may study for up to three months," she said.

After his meetings, the President attended the wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial.

He received David Shearer, the opposition leader of the New Zealand Parliament.

It is customary for opposition leaders in New Zealand to pay calls on the visiting heads of state. 

At 5:10 p.m. (Manila time), the President will depart New Zealand for Canberra, Australia. He is expected to arrive in Australia at 9:30 p.m. (Manila time). 

Meantime, Valte brushed off issue comparing Aquino's frequent foreign travels to the "lavish" travels of former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

"We are obviously being baited and we will not take the bait," she said. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)