FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, June 1, 2015 – The Honourable Tobias C. Enverga Jr., Ontario Senator, joined the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, for an official trade mission to the Republic of the Philippines, May 24-28, 2015, to meet with business leaders and government officials to build upon the important commercial links that exist between the two countries.

“I was honoured to be with Minister Fast on this important trade mission, and we took part in many productive meetings that will further strengthen the commercial ties between Canada and the Philippines,” said Senator Enverga in a statement upon his return.  “The Philippines has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the Asia Pacific region and one of the priority emerging markets for Canada’s continuing prosperity,” he continued.

The main aim of the mission was to raise the profile of Canadian companies in the Philippines and increase awareness there of Canadian capabilities in sectors such as agriculture and processed food, defense and security, information and communication technology, infrastructure, and sustainable technologies.

“I am happy to be able to use my unique position as Canada’s first senator of Filipino descent, and I had several meetings, where I was able to bring this unique perspective to the table with different stakeholders.  I was especially pleased to be able to meet with the President of the Senate of the Philippines, the Honorable Senator Franklin M. Drilon, and Secretary Imelda M. Nicolas, Chairperson of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) to discuss the commitments made during the recent State Visit of the President to Canada, and the reform to the Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker program.  We also witnessed the signing of several agreements between Canadian and Philippine companies. There is still much more to be done, and I trust that we have established a solid foundation from which to continue.”

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Senator Enverga and Secretary Nicolas, with officials from Canada and the Philippines, May 25, 2015

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Minister Fast and Senator Enverga enjoy burgers made from Canadian beef at Triple-O’s

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Ambassador Reeder, Senator Enverga, Minister Fast and Charles Liu, President and CEO of Matimco, the biggest Filipino importer of Canadian wood