Supporting Canadian companies in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region is a priority to create jobs and prosperity across Canada
May 22, 2015 - Boracay, Philippines - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today kicked off a visit to the Philippines, where he will advance and promote Canada’s commercial interests within the Asia-Pacific region at the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting from May 22 to 24, 2015, in Boracay, Philippines.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for Minister Fast to engage with his counterparts from APEC economies to expand Canada’s trade relationship with this growing and dynamic region, as part of the government’s ambitious pro-export plan. As chair of APEC in 2015, the Philippines shares Canada’s commitment to fostering the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the global economy.
Following APEC, Minister Fast will lead a multi-sector trade mission to Manila and Cebu, Philippines, from May 24 to 28, 2015, with more than 50 representatives of over 40 companies and organizations. He will be joined by Senator Tobias Enverga Jr.
Minister Fast’s trade mission to the Philippines will help Canadian companies, especially SMEs, take advantage of the opportunities available in one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. Trade missions are just one of the many tools under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan (GMAP), the government’s blueprint for creating jobs and economic growth through exports, to help Canadian businesses succeed in foreign markets.
During his recent historic state visit to Canada, Philippines’ President Benigno Aquino III and Prime Minister Stephen Harper reaffirmed the long-standing and positive Canada-Philippines bilateral partnership based on shared democratic values and a mutual interest in expanding trade and commercial relations, including through the launch of exploratory discussions on a free trade agreement.
“As part of our government’s ambitious pro-export Global Markets Action Plan we are committed to opening up new market opportunities for Canadian businesses and to supporting our small and medium-sized enterprises with the tools they need achieve export success.
“Canada and the Philippines have a close partnership based on shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. This trade mission will help strengthen our economic and commercial relationship with one of the ASEAN region’s fastest-growing economies, creating jobs across Canada.”
- Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade
Max Moncaster
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
343-203-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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