Last month, former Victorian Labor Minister Philip Dalidakis took to social media to announce his latest role, sharing that he was “delighted” to be appointed as an Australian representative on the APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council (ABAC).

“This appointment presents an incredible opportunity to draw upon my experience as Victorian Minister for Trade and Investment, where I worked to foster cross-border trade, investment, and economic partnerships,” Dalidakis posted.

A seasoned figure in both political and business circles, Dalidakis brings a wealth of experience to the role. He served as Victoria’s Minister for Small Business, Innovation, and Trade in the Andrews government and is deeply connected to Australia’s multicultural fabric as a Greek Jewish Australian.

After resigning from Victorian Parliament in 2019, he transitioned to a senior role at Australia Post before co-founding Orizondas (ορίζοντας – horizon), a consultancy focused on climate risk, international commerce, communications, and crisis management.

Speaking to Neos Kosmos, from a cold New York City, Dalidakis expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, and said APEC is an “engine of global growth.”

“Australia has a key role to play in ensuring that businesses across the region thrive in an increasingly complex economic environment,” he said.

Dalidakis’ identity as a Greek Jewish Australian has shaped his perspective as a cultural and economic broker, drawing from an ancient heritage of negotiation and communication between East and West. At the same time, he is as a product of modern multicultural Australia, eager to advance the nation’s economic and strategic interests.

“The opportunity to advance policies that foster greater trade and reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers is something that I deeply believe in and look forward to working on,” he told Neos Kosmos.