Philippine Ambassador and Consul General Lead Engagement at the Philippine Business Forum Strengthen PH–Canada Trade Ties

His Excellency Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, Philippine Ambassador to Canada delivers his Closing Remarks during the Philippine Business Forum in Vancouver. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Vancouver, BC, 15 May 2026 - Philippine Ambassador to Canada His Excellency Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga began his official visit to British Columbia by engaging with business leaders and stakeholders to promote economic diplomacy and business investments in the Philippines. With Philippine Consul General in Vancouver Hon. Gina A. Jamoralin, Ambassador Chan-Gonzaga led the Philippine delegation at the Philippine Business Forum which was held on 04 May 2026 at the Fasken Office in Vancouver, underscoring the Philippines’ strong commitment to expanding trade and investment ties with Canada.

The Philippine Business Forum was co-organized by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry- Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Toronto, Philippines Canada Trade Council, and FASKEN Law Firm)

The forum convened participants from government, industry, and the business community, serving as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and partnership-building between Philippine exporters and Canadian stakeholders.

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin delivers her message during the Philippine Business Forum in Vancouver. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Consul General Jamoralin, in her message, emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening economic partnerships amid evolving global trade dynamics. She underscored the Philippines’ role as a priority partner under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and British Columbia’s Trade Diversification Strategy, noting that efforts to diversify markets have created new opportunities for deeper Philippines–Canada engagement.

The Consul General highlighted ongoing negotiations toward a Philippines–Canada Free Trade Agreement as a key step in enhancing market access and reducing trade barriers. She also pointed to the steady growth of bilateral trade, citing the Philippines as one of British Columbia’s top export destinations and a source of a wide range of high-value goods, including electronics, machinery, and agricultural products.

In his keynote message, Ambassador Chan-Gonzaga emphasized the strong alignment of opportunities presented throughout the session and underscored Canada’s importance as a strategic market. He highlighted that Canada is home to one of the largest Filipino diasporas outside the Philippines, creating a solid foundation for market entry while also encouraging exporters to expand beyond the Filipino community.

Ambassador Chan-Gonzaga further noted the growing demand for high-value and innovative products, pointing to significant opportunities in mainstream markets. He emphasized the Philippine government’s commitment to advancing Halal as a priority sector, but as a pillar of mainstream food industry in the Philippines and part of diversification efforts into the global and Canadian food industry.

Ambassador Chan-Gonzaga and Consul General Jamoralin also expressed appreciation to the forum’s organizers and partners, including Fasken, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)–Toronto, the Philippines Canada Trade Council (PCTC), and the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), for their contributions to the successful convening of the event

A photo opportunity with the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, DTI-EMB, PTIC-Toronto, PCTC, FASKEN Law Firm, and Speakers. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

The forum’s program featured opening remarks from Deputy Mayor Sarah Kirby-Yung of the City of Vancouver, Jenny Francis of Fasken, and Eric Ching of the Philippines Canada Trade Council. This was followed by an information session covering Philippine sourcing opportunities, export capabilities, trade financing support, regulatory requirements, retail market insights, and logistics partnerships.

Ms. Bianca Pearl Sykimte, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Head of the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), led discussions on Philippine sourcing opportunities, highlighting key sectors and export-ready industries. She also introduced participating Philippine companies and their representatives which include Pearlfoods International Inc., Sonya Garcia's Secret Cottage Restaurant, Inc., Sterling Pacific Ventures Corporation, and Mensch FilAm Corporation, all of which previously took part in the SIAL Montreal from 29 April to 01 May 2026, showcasing their products to international buyers.

Mr. Ran Carter, Regional Director at Export Development Canada (EDC), presented on how EDC supports Canada’s trade ecosystem, outlining programs, financial solutions, and opportunities available to Philippine exporters seeking to expand into the Canadian market.

Regulatory considerations were addressed by Ms. Heather Craig of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), who delivered an overview of food regulations in Canada, providing guidance on compliance requirements for imported goods.

Mr. Vincent Uy, President of Corinthian Distributors Ltd, shared insights into British Columbia’s retail landscape, highlighting current consumer trends and opportunities for new market entrants.

The session concluded with a presentation from Mr. GG Francisco, Senior Consultant at General Noli, who discussed logistics partners in Vancouver and explored partnership opportunities with BC-based firms to support efficient supply chain operations for Philippine exporters.

(Leftmost) Mr. Neil Mort, Vice Chair of PCTC facilitates the Q &A portion of the forum. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

The event was well-attended by the Filipino Canadian business community. The Philippine Business Forum forms part of ongoing efforts to promote the Philippines as a competitive, reliable, and forward-looking trade and investment partner in the Indo-Pacific region. END

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