British Columbia to open trade office in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The government of British Columbia, Canada will open a trade and investment office in the Philippines as part of its drive to intensify its trade in Asia-Pacific region.

The Philippine consulate general in Vancouver said British Columbia Minister of Justice and Attorney General Suzanne Anton announced the opening of the trade and investment office on Dec. 4.

Anton said British Columbia chose Manila as the site of the trade and investment office because of the Philippines’ rapid economic growth and British Columbia’s growing trade with the Philippines and its strong relations with the Filipino community.

“A presence in ASEAN will put British Columbia on the doorstep of an economy that is valued at $2.4 trillion and has annual growth forecasts above five percent for the next five years,” Anton said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The announcement was made at the iconic Max’s Restaurant at the busy Kingsway district of Vancouver. Members of the Filipino-Canadian community, including Filipino-Canadian business people and business professionals, were also present.

The trade office in Manila will be the 12th office established by British Columbia as part of its drive to intensify its trade in the Asia-Pacific region. Other offices are in Japan, Korea, India, China, Europe, and the United States.

Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer of the Philippine consulate general in Vancouver said British Columbia’s decision is “a vote of confidence in the Philippine economy and business environment, (which) certainly reinforces the country’s reputation as a rapid-growth area, a preferred trade and investment destination and an ideal business hub in the ASEAN region.”

“Looking ahead, we see so much opportunities to strengthen and deepen business ties between the Philippines and BC,” he added, noting the increased activity in trade and investment across the Pacific and the growing number of British Columbian companies operating in the Philippines.

British Columbia Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk said it is the strong human relations between his country and the Philippines that “opens new doors for trade and investment and contributes to prosperity.”