Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
VANCOUVER, Canada — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday (Saturday in Manila) invited Canadian investors to explore opportunities in the Philippines, reaffirming the country’s openness for business and partnerships.
In his remarks during the Philippines-Canada roundtable discussion at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, the president said the Philippines was determined to be an active contributor to the industries that would define the future, saying that together with its partners, the country can build secure supply chains, more competitive industries, and future-ready economies.
“The Philippines is certainly open for business, ready for partnerships, and committed to create a long-term value to responsible resource development and sustainable growth,” Marcos said.
“As we continue to strengthen our economic ties, we look forward to working with Canadian partners in transforming opportunity into tangible investments, innovation, and shared progress,” he added.
The president said the government was prioritizing industries and sectors in the Philippine economy that have huge potential, such as mining, particularly nickel extraction and export of raw ore, which offer a big opportunity in terms of moving up the value chain.
Collaboration in energy is another area, he said, especially with the events in the Middle East, stressing energy has always been a top consideration in terms of economic development.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the high-level dialogue focused on positioning the Philippines as a sustainable, predictable, and socially responsible hub for mineral processing.
By leveraging the country’s vast nickel and copper reserves, the initiative aims to attract Canadian capital for eco-friendly extraction technologies and renewable energy integration while institutionalizing robust corporate social responsibility practices that uplift local mining communities.
As key inputs in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy technologies, semiconductors, energy storage systems, and advanced electronics, critical minerals underscore the Philippines’ strategic importance in global supply chains supporting the clean energy transition and digital economy.
Among the participating Canadian companies in the roundtable discussion are B2Gold Corp. and OceanaGold Corp., both of which expressed their intent to expand their operations in the Philippines.
The president concluded his Friday morning meetings with Canadian businesses by witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Business Council of Canada aimed at enhancing collaboration.
“As our Strategic partnership grows, so too will the relationships that connect our entrepreneurs, innovators and industries,” he said.
On Friday afternoon, Marcos also attended roundtable discussions with businesses on the digital economy, such as information technology and business process management companies, Telus Corp., Quantrics Enterprises Inc., and NQX among others.
He highlighted the country’s IT-BPM, saying it has evolved from a back-office support sector into a key driver of innovation, productivity and global value creation.
“Customer experience, analytics, cybersecurity, financial service support, health care information management and digital operations are now central to how global enterprises compete and how they grow,” Marcos said.
“This transformation is already evident in our engagement with Canadian companies,” he added.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, in her remarks, emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with Canada and other like-minded economies.
Roque said critical minerals have become “strategic inputs” that underpin clean energy systems, electronic mobility, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and modern, industrial economies.