Canada strengthens trade ties with Phl

The Canadian government is enhancing its trade ties with the Philippines by extending the reach of Canadian brands throughout the country.

In an interview with Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines David Bruce Hartman yesterday, he said the Filipino consumers will expect more Canadian products to flood the Philippine market, not only the established brands, but also the emerging artisanal Canadian products.

“We want to promote Canada further as a business partner in the region [Cebu]. We have good story to tell, most importantly we have good products to sell. We just want to make sure that the local consumers understand the value proposition of Canada,” the Ambassador said during his second official visit to Cebu yesterday, February 15, 2024 to grace the partnership between Canadian Embassy Manila and the Metro Retail Stores Group Inc., dubbed “Explore Canadian Flavors” promotion.

Aside from the established Canadian brands, the Ambassador said there is a growing number of artisanal products from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Canada entering the Philippines, including Cebu, recognizing the country’s promising consumer based.

During the collaborative retail promotion involving seven Metro Supermarkets nationwide, nearly 200 Canadian products, ranging from beverages and snacks to cooking essentials, will be featured with exclusive discounts, such as buy-oneget-one and complimentary gifts with in-store purchases. Also, customers ordering Canadian products online will benefit from complimentary home delivery.

This retail promotion is also presented in partnership with the Province of British Columbia and the Province of Ontario, and will be available through seven participating Metro locations across the Philippines, including: Ayala Center Cebu, Market Market, Alabang, Pasig, Bacolod, Mandaue, and Angeles.

“I am thrilled to be in Cebu to launch this promotional event taking place during the 75th year of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations. Food is without a doubt a key staple that binds both Canada and the Philippines. The products that are displayed in this month-long promotional event are those that we enjoy back home. Our Filipino friends can now enjoy them here as well. I encourage everyone to try these new Canadian brands, personally selected by Metro Retails Stores,” said Harman during the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the one-month retail partnership that runs from February 15 to March 15, 2024.

According to the Ambassador, its partnership with the Metro Retail Group is just part of the wider engagements that the Canadian government is planning to embark on beginning this year in the Philippines.

Aside from gracing the “Explore Canadian Flavors” promotion, the Ambassador met with the leaders of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), and Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).