British Columbia and Philippines
As a well-established exporter of electronic components and services with a low-cost and highly educated workforce, the Philippines is home to an opportunistic economic market. Current conversations surrounding Canada and the Philippines’ participation in the Canada-ASEAN FTA negotiation provide a strong foundation for B.C. trade and investment 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.
- 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.
- The Philippines has seen a rapidly growing youthful population and middle class.
Philippines at a Glance
Monetary figures are in USD
Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters
Agrifood & Agritech
Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, 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.
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.
Philippines Top Industries (2017-2021)
Trade & Investment Resources
For B.C. Businesses
For International Businesses
News and Stories
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
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:
Senior Manager, ASEAN
Managing Director, ASEAN
Commercial Officer
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 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.