More visits expected from Canadian officials

MANILA, Philippines - More visits of high ranking officials from Canada are likely to be made in the coming months in line with promoting greater ties with the Philippines.

 “Over the past years, our bilateral relationship with the government of the Philippines has become stronger and I think in the coming months, you will see more visits by senior Canadian leadership looking to pick some of the good aspects of the potential,” Canada’s political counsellor for the Philippines Jamie Christoff said during the Canada Day Fair 2014 held yesterday.

Christoff noted that the existing people-to-people relations between the two countries provide a platform to expand ties.

At present, the Philippines has the largest number of immigrants to Canada, which stands at 700,000.

Christoff said both countries recognize there are opportunities to strengthen ties.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham) president Julian Payne said in the same event the business community is interested in promoting greater trade as well as investment ties between the two countries.

Payne said there have been several business missions from Canada visiting the country in line with the aim of increasing trade and investment flows between the two parties.

 “There have been a number of missions and we can expect to see more,” he said.

A trade mission composed of firms engaged in agribusiness is expected to arrive in the country sometime this year.

The CanCham is also organizing an outbound mission composed of 20 to 25 Filipino firms focused on the agribusiness and food sector next month.

The goal of the mission which is scheduled to leave next mouth is to allow local firms to find markets for their products in Canada as well as get suppliers for goods that could be imported and sold here.

Payne said the CanCham is likewise expanding its footprint in the country as it opened a chapter in Davao two weeks ago to take advantage of opportunities in Mindanao.

The CanCham has also established partnerships in Cagayan de Oro and Baguio.

 “It is important for the private sector to take an active part in promoting economic interests,” Payne said.

Total trade between Canada and the Philippines reached $1.7 billion last year.