PHL, Canada to expand bilateral trade and investments

The Philippines and Canada intend to expand bilateral trade and investments, focusing on the mining sector. 

 

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is visiting the Philippines this weekend for a series of meetings with President Benigno Aquino III.

 

Maritime securities issues are also high on the agenda of the two leaders, Ottawa noted said in a statement released through the Canadian embassy in Manila.

 

With Harper in his official Asian tour are Trade Minister Ed Fast, Natural Resource Minister Joe Oliver, and Sen. Tobias Enverga.

 

“Canada’s relations with the Philippines continue to grow and diversify, aided by an increasingly important Canada-Filipino community,” said Harper.

 

 “On this trip, I look forward to exploring ways of further strengthening ties between both countries,” he added.

 

On Saturday, Nov. 10, Harper and Aquino will talk about bilateral trade and investments, security cooperation, and regional issues.

 

Total trade between the two countries reached C$680.14 in the first six months of 2012, and totaled C$1.456 billion for the whole of 2011, according to the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.

 

Philippines is now Canada’s main supplier of skilled immigrants, with more than 500,000 Filipinos already working across Canada. — VS, GMA News