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British Columbia and Philippines

As a well-established exporter of electronic components and services with a low-cost and highly educated workforce, as well as a rapidly growing youthful population and middle class, the Philippines is home to an opportunistic economic market. With strong domestic demand and the growth of online shopping, there are increased opportunities for digital payment and consumer credit service providers in the Philippines.

Trade & Investment Highlights

Canada and the Philippines are negotiating a free trade agreement in the context of the Canada-ASEAN FTA negotiation.
The Philippines is an important partner under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. In June 2023, Canada announced Philippines as the intended location for the new Agriculture and Agri-Food Office. The office will consist of a mobile team that will work directly with Canadian diplomatic missions, Canadian stakeholders, foreign interlocutors and decision makers in the region to advance mutual trade objectives for the sector.

Philippines at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Agrifood & Agritech

Local retail has continued to grow in the Philippines with e-commerce becoming more prevalent and demand increasing for processed foods and beverages. There is opportunity for B.C. exporters in bulk commodity products to supply the shortage of quality meats, crops and seafoods in the Philippines. In addition, there are opportunities for processed foods and beverages including ready-to-eat meals, breakfast cereals, processed fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta and noodles, pet food, baked goods, ice cream and frozen desserts, sauces, dressings, and condiments.

Aerospace

The Philippines has an emerging aerospace industry. B.C. MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhauling) companies can offer services to local MRO in market to help develop the sector. Industrial complementation with the Philippine’s capabilities may be explored with local MRO activities currently concentrated in parts and components manufacturing.

Cleantech

With one of the highest shares of renewable energy consumption in the ASEAN region, the Philippines offers a market in cleantech for B.C. companies to partake in. Many opportunities exist in medium and micro scale hydro power, solar consulting and testing services, engineering services and project development and design, along with water quality and wastewater management technologies.

Digital Entertainment & Interactive Media

The digital entertainment and interactive media market is growing rapidly in the Philippines. With a licensed and regulated casino online gaming industry, there exist many opportunities for B.C. businesses to seek involvement in gaming development.

Forestry

In the Philippines, there is current demand for a range of B.C. wood products. These include products used in construction projects such as softwood, cedar shakes and shingles, veneer sheets and plywood.

ICT

The ICT sector is one of the Philippines’ strongest industries with significant growth in investments from public and private sectors, and demand for better digital and online services. Opportunities for B.C. in the market include cybersecurity, satellite internet, e-governance, artificial intelligence, smart cities, and fintech.

Life Sciences

The Philippines’ life sciences sector is growing, specifically in medical technologies and devices. Opportunities exist for innovative medical devices including low-volume, high-value equipment such as advanced point-of-care devices, diagnostic devices, and cancer treatment devices.

Philippines Top Industries (2018-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Coal, Oil & Gas

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Real Estate

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Transportation & Warehousing

_{Source: FDI Markets}

Import Industries
(by value)

Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Fuels & Oils

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Machinery

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Pharmaceuticals

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Ceramic Products

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Grains (Cereals)

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

BC Export Industries to Market

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Ores, Slag & Ash

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Products

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Meat

_{Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada}

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

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How We Help

Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.

Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Introductions to local venture capital networks.

Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
Support Team BC missions and trade events.
Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
Market entry assistance in international markets.

Trade & Investment Offices

Phillipines
- Manila

Manila

British Columbia’s trade and investment office located in Manila provides direct access for B.C. companies into the Philippines and other countries in the ASEAN economic region. Our experienced trade and investment professionals will help you network and capitalize on shared business opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Manila Office:
Embassy of Canada
Levels 6-8, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City 1200

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Rohan Belliappa
Managing Director, ASEAN

Jizen Reyes
Commercial Officer

Bernadette Buensuceso
Commercial Assistant

Connect With Our International Network

Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.

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