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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

Aerospace

The Philippines’ aerospace industry is rapidly emerging, aiming to position itself as a key global hub for manufacturing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. This industry is supported by a skilled, cost-competitive, English-speaking workforce, alongside the expansion of domestic airlines and a significant business aircraft fleet. The country is home to manufacturers specializing in parts, subassemblies, and MRO, with expertise in electronic and mechanical components and interior systems. British Columbia (B.C.) companies in the MRO sector have opportunities to collaborate with Philippine counterparts to enhance local capabilities and support growth. Industrial complementation can leverage the Philippines’ established strengths in parts manufacturing and MRO, offering mutual benefits.

Agrifood & Agritech

As an agricultural country, the Philippines relies heavily on farming, fisheries, livestock, and forestry to sustain its rural population. However, it is a net importer of agrifood and seafood, with demand for quality meats, crops, and processed food products. B.C. suppliers can capitalize on this demand by exporting bulk commodities, processed foods, beverages, and niche products like breakfast cereals and frozen desserts. Overfishing and declining commercial fisheries create further opportunities for B.C. fish exporters. By offering high-quality products and addressing supply gaps, B.C. agrifood businesses can build strong trade partnerships in this growing market.

Digital Entertainment & Interactive Media

The Philippines has committed to fostering its creative industries through the Creative Industries Development Act and a comprehensive roadmap aiming to establish the country as Asia’s premier creative hub by 2030. Key segments include audiovisual media, digital interactive media, design, publishing, and performing arts. With a rapidly growing market for digital entertainment and interactive media, B.C. companies have opportunities to collaborate and export expertise in production, technology, and creative services. Building partnerships and increasing visibility in the region could open doors to international growth while supporting the Philippines’ creative ambitions.

Clean Energy

The Philippines is transitioning to cleaner energy, with one of the highest shares of renewable energy consumption in ASEAN. The Philippine Energy Transition Strategies (2023-2050) prioritize expanding renewable energy, improving reliability, and reducing fossil fuel dependency. A 2023 moratorium on new coal-fired power plants underscores this commitment. Demand for alternative energy sources, including hydrogen and hydropower, is growing, creating opportunities for B.C. companies to share expertise in cleantech innovation, research, and sustainable practices. By addressing regulatory and institutional barriers, B.C. can contribute to the Philippines’ clean energy development.

Forestry

Deforestation and overexploitation have led the Philippines to rely heavily on wood imports, including plywood, veneers, and sawn wood, with Canada among the suppliers. Large-scale reforestation efforts through the Community-Based Forest Management Program highlight the need for sustainable forest management. B.C. can meet this demand by supplying high-quality wood products, such as softwood, cedar shakes, veneers, and plywood. As a trusted supplier, B.C. can strengthen trade ties while supporting the Philippines’ sustainability goals.

ICT

The Philippines’ ICT sector is booming, driven by a tech-savvy population, government initiatives, and growing investments. Key areas include cybersecurity, cloud computing, e-commerce, AI, and telecommunications. The Philippine Development Plan (2023-2028) aims to expand connectivity, digitize processes, and promote cloud-first policies. For B.C. companies, the market offers opportunities to export innovative technologies and services in smart cities, fintech, e-governance, and satellite internet. By addressing rising consumer demand and supporting digital transformation, B.C. can contribute to the Philippines’ technological advancement.

Life Sciences

The life sciences sector in the Philippines is expanding, particularly in medical technologies and devices, with high reliance on imports due to limited local production. Private investments in healthcare infrastructure and ambitions for pharmaceutical manufacturing present opportunities for B.C. companies to provide expertise and cutting-edge technology. High-value medical devices such as diagnostic tools and cancer treatment equipment are in demand. Additionally, health IT solutions like telemedicine can help improve healthcare access and efficiency, offering B.C. businesses a promising avenue for collaboration and growth.

Philippines Top Industries (2019-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Coal, Oil & Gas

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Real Estate

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Renewable Energy

_{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: Fertilizer

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Ores, Slag & Ash

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

BC Export Industries to Market

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

Pearl Balines
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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