Julian Payne, Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, (left) proposes a toast during the 147th Canada Day celebration at the Cebu City Marriot Hotel. Present during last Monday’s event were Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama (second from left) and Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, Neil Reeder (third from left and his wife Irene. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)
To further strengthen the trade relationship between the Philippines and Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Cancham) has organized a trade mission to Toronto from Aug. 15 to 24.
The trade mission aims to bridge businessmen from key cities in the country with Canadian businessmen, said Cancham president Julian Payne last Monday.
Cancham plans to gather at least 25 businessmen from major cities in the country including businessmen from Cebu.
“Now we have commitments from 18 businessmen and processing with at least three from Cebu,” said Cora dela Cruz, CanCham executive director.
Businessmen, who are already doing business with Canada, and those, who have already established businesses there, can still join the mission.
Payne, however, said that they’d like more of those businessmen not yet familiar with Canada to see the large opportunities there.
“We have partnered with chambers in major cities including the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the chambers (of commerce) of Davao and Cagayan de Oro, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They will meet with counterparts in the Canada Asean Business Council, Canadian Chamber and Business Associations in Asia, Manitoba-Filipino Business Council, Philippine Canada Trade Council of Vancouver and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto,” Payne said.
The 25-man team will attend meetings in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Guelph and Niagara.
Payne said they would like to focus more on the agri-food sector, service and technology providers and suppliers, tourism and hospitality, real estate development and retirement and general trading and investment.
“By participating in the trade mission, they can learn more about business and effective marketing strategies for North American markets, meet potential business partners and look for opportunities there,” said Payne.
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