Canada and the Philippines share a vision for sustainable, inclusive growth, and this trade mission is a powerful step toward achieving that vision.
Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Lead Convenor and Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz, delivered a keynote address at the Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines on December 6, 2024. The mission, which also marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines, was attended by over 300 Canadian business leaders exploring opportunities to deepen economic collaboration in the Philippines.
Aboitiz co-chaired the Canada and PSAC Roundtable alongside The Honourable Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development. Held earlier in the day, the roundtable identified key areas of cooperation, including renewable energy, infrastructure development, agriculture, and digital innovation, to further strengthen the commercial relationship between the two nations.
“I am privileged to represent the private sector’s voice in shaping strategic partnerships that create real value for our country and our partners,” Aboitiz said during his remarks. “Canada and the Philippines share a vision for sustainable, inclusive growth, and this trade mission is a powerful step toward achieving that vision.”
Aboitiz highlighted the Philippines’ readiness for foreign investment, emphasizing its young, skilled population, growing middle class, and significant government-led reforms in infrastructure and healthcare. He pointed to the Philippines’ efforts to balance its energy needs with environmental commitments as an area where Canadian expertise in clean energy could play a transformative role.
“Through collaboration, we can tackle shared challenges such as energy transition, food security, and digital transformation,” Aboitiz said. “These partnerships not only drive economic growth but also uplift communities, create jobs, and build resilience.”
Ambassador David Hartman, who extended the invitation to Sabin Aboitiz on behalf of Minister Ng, lauded his leadership in fostering meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions. “Your insights and guidance have enriched this mission and reinforced the enduring ties between our nations,” Ambassador Hartman stated.
As the Philippines and Canada continue to deepen their commercial and cultural ties, Aboitiz emphasized that this milestone mission is just the beginning of a strengthened partnership. “We are not merely marking 75 years of relations; we are building the foundation for the next 75,” he said.
The Team Canada Trade Mission underscored the shared commitment of both countries to drive progress in key industries while fostering innovation and sustainable development for future generations.
