Ottawa: Acting Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez on Saturday described President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s visit to Canada a success, citing the elevation of ties and signing of agreements. Gomez said Marcos' four-day official visit, a first by a Philippine president in more than a decade, charted the two nations' strategic partnership and opened more opportunities to expand trade and investments.
According to Philippines News Agency, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recognized the Philippines as one of Canada's key partners in the Indo-Pacific, while also highlighting the valuable contributions of over 1 million Filipinos living in the host country. Gomez emphasized the importance of the partnership between the two countries, which was further solidified by the elevation of Philippine-Canada relations to a strategic partnership, the highest level of bilateral engagement between the two countries.
He also cited the commitment of both leaders to conclude negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries before the year ends. Gomez explained the FTA would liberalize trade by reducing tariff barriers, boosting bilateral commerce, and creating more economic opportunities for both countries. The visit also resulted in the signing of four agreements covering critical minerals and energy, labor and migration, tourism, and people-to-people and cultural cooperation.
The labor and migration agreement aims to strengthen the protection and welfare of Filipinos in Canada, while ensuring fairness and transparency in immigration policies. Additionally, it opens new avenues for Filipino professionals seeking employment in Canada. The visit coincided with the World Bank's reclassification of the Philippines as an upper middle-income economy, a development that is expected to attract more foreign investors.
Carney acknowledged the Philippines' improved economic standing and reaffirmed Canada's commitment to expanding trade and investment ties with Manila. Several Canadian firms expressed interest in investing in or expanding their operations in the Philippines, following a series of business meetings led by Marcos. Gomez stated that the anticipated increase in investments would generate more quality jobs for Filipinos.
As the bilateral meetings concluded, Gomez expressed optimism about the expansion of trade relations between the two countries, noting that both leaders are hopeful the agreements will mutually benefit their peoples.
