Canada to Send Largest Trade Mission to the Philippines, Eyes Expanding Investments

MANILA – Canada is set to dispatch its largest-ever trade delegation to the Philippines this December, targeting expanded investments and partnerships in key sectors such as defense, agriculture, energy, mining, and infrastructure.

The Team Canada Trade Mission, led by Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development Mary Ng, will take place from December 4 to 6 in Manila. It will include over 300 business leaders from 180 organizations representing 17 sectors, according to Guy Boileau, Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Embassy.

Boosting Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

This mission supports Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which aims to strengthen trade, security, and people-to-people ties across the region, including the Philippines.

“One of the objectives of the team is to provide a platform to expand and diversify our international business portfolios and reach into growing markets,” Boileau said during a media briefing.

The delegation highlights Canada’s commitment to fostering inclusive trade, with representation from indigenous peoples, visible minorities, women, young entrepreneurs, and LGBTQ business owners.

Philippines as a Promising Hub

Canadian businesses are increasingly eyeing the Philippines, citing its recent economic reforms, such as taxation changes and sector liberalization, as encouraging factors for investment.

“This is a great country that is seen increasingly as a hub…with a young, tech-savvy population and an English-speaking workforce,” Boileau said.

The Philippine economy’s projected 6% to 6.5% GDP growth in 2025 to 2026 further underscores its appeal to foreign investors.

Potential Areas for Collaboration

Canada’s priority sectors in the Philippines align with the Marcos administration’s goals, including:

• Clean energy and green mining
• Agriculture and food security
• Infrastructure development
• Information and communications technology
• Defense and nuclear technologies
• Education and skills training

Canada’s Trade Mission Success

Canada’s trade missions have yielded significant economic impact, with a recent mission to Japan generating 70 new contracts worth nearly CAD30 million. Officials expect similar opportunities from the Philippines mission, as both Canadian and Filipino businesses look to deepen ties in dynamic global markets.

Trade Diversification Key to Growth

Boileau emphasized the importance of diversification in Canada’s trade strategy, noting that 65-70% of Canada’s GDP is linked to global commerce.

“Overconcentration is not always a good thing. We’re creating platforms to help our companies tap into diverse global markets, and the Philippines stands out as a strong partner in that regard,” he said.