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
Philippines Top Industries (2018-2023)
Industries for Outward Investment
 Coal, Oil & Gas |
 Real Estate |
 Transportation & Warehousing |
Source: FDI Markets
Import Industries
(by value)
 Electrical Machinery & Equipment |
 Mineral Fuels & Oils |
 Machinery & Mechanical Appliances |
Source: International Trade Centre
Fastest Growing Import Opportunities
 Pharmaceutical Products |
 Ceramic Products |
 Cereals |
Source: International Trade Centre
BC Export Industries to Market
 Mineral Ores, Slag & Ash |
 Wood Products |
 Meat |
Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada
Trade & Investment Resources
For B.C. Businesses
For International Businesses
Latest 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
- Phillipines
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:
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 an expert near you.