BOI Deepens Trade Ties and Explores Innovation Collaborations with Canada at PDAC 2025

In photo: Minister Mary Ng of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development of Canada (third from left) together with the BOI and PTIC Toronto team at the Canada Pavilion at PDAC 2025 

TORONTO, CANADA — As part of the Philippine government’s continued effort to advance the country’s critical minerals sector, the Board of Investments (BOI) engaged with high-level Canadian officials and industry leaders at the sidelines of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2025. The discussions, which focused on strengthening trade relations and exploring innovation partnerships, mark a pivotal step toward expanding bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

In the meeting with Minister Mary Ng of the Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development of Canada on 3 March 2025, the BOI delegation, led by BOI Industry Development Services Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa and International Investments Promotions Service Director Lanie Dormiendo, discussed opportunities to bolster bilateral relations and support strategic initiatives of mutual interest to both countries. 

Minister Ng emphasized the benefits of strengthening trade relations between Canada and the Philippines, particularly as the country advances its trade diversification strategy—targeting a 50% increase in exports to diversified markets. These partnerships also open doors for greater investment and collaboration in Canada’s innovative and sustainability-driven sectors, such as critical minerals production and processing. This mutual understanding is especially reassuring as both countries have agreed to negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).

In photo: The BOI delegation with Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre and the Sudbury Economic Development Office 

The BOI delegation also engaged with the Mayor of Sudbury and its Economic Development Office to discuss the city’s mining and mineral processing ecosystem that is reputed to be among the top in the world. The discussions highlighted the potential for the Philippines to replicate the Sudbury model as it develops its own critical minerals sector in key mining areas.

Further on creating strategic partnerships, the BOI delegation met with representatives of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) in charge of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) initiative. The conversation opened avenues for industrial collaboration, including opportunities for MSME development in the automotive, mobility, and mining sectors as well as workforce development.

The Philippine delegation continues to engage with relevant business stakeholders in Canada. A roundtable discussion with Canadian companies entitled, “The Future of Mining and Mineral Processing in the Philippines” was held on 5 March 2025 and was attended by about 40 participants, representing government and private representatives in mining and mineral processing industry. The delegation also visited a Canadian R&D facility specializing in developing new technologies for metal refining, which indicated strong interest to explore establishing operations in the Philippines, further intensifying the country’s drive as a forward-thinking player in the critical minerals sector. -END-

 

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