SFA-AGR-178-08

24 March 2008 - Consul General Maria Theresa P. Lazaro of the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs on the results of her visit to New Caledonia on 16-17 March.  She reported on the excellent working conditions including industrial safety, food, accommodations and industrial relations of 3,000 Filipino workers in New Caledonia.  The Filipino workers are currently constructing a US$3 billion nickel and cobalt   processing plant in a remote mountain area located 80 kilometers from Noumea and scheduled to be operational by early 2009.

Almost 2,400 of the workers came from two Philippine construction companies, namely EEI and AG&P, while  the rest of the Filipino workers were hired by foreign-owned companies such as Cape East (British), CBI (British), Sarens (Dutch), Sodexho(French), Foster and Wheeler (American) , Lavalin (French), Goro (Brazilian/Canadian/Australian), Trinity Offshore Co (Singaporean), among others.

“The Filipino workers in this Project have proven themselves to be world-class in their efficiency, capability, discipline and high morale.  The Project has also provided the   opportunity for the Filipino construction companies, particularly EEI and AG&P to project their excellent engineering know-how and managerial professionalism in the construction of  gargantuan  projects such as the Goro Nickel plant in New Caledonia”,  Consul General Lazaro said.

New Caledonia is an autonomous Pacific Island Territory under French administration located 1979 kilometers east of Sydney.  The territory of New Caledonia is composed of 12 major islands with 33 cities and municipalities.  Aside from its coral reefs, beaches and other tourist spots, it is also known as the 3^rd largest nickel producer with 25% of the world’s known nickel reserves.  The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney has been exercising consular jurisdiction over the territory since 1995. END

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