The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Lead Convenor and Aboitiz Group President and CEO, Sabin M. Aboitiz, delivered the keynote address at the Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines on 6 December, 2024. This mission, held in celebration of 75 years of Canada-Philippines diplomatic ties, brought together over 300 Canadian business leaders to explore deeper economic collaboration with the Philippines.

Aboitiz co-chaired the Canada and PSAC Roundtable alongside Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, The Honorable Mary Ng. The roundtable highlighted renewable energy, infrastructure development, agriculture, and digital innovation as key sectors for strengthening commercial ties between the two nations.

“I am privileged to represent the private sector's voice in shaping strategic partnerships that create real value for our country and our partners,” Aboitiz said. “Canada and the Philippines share a vision for sustainable, inclusive growth, and this trade mission is a powerful step toward achieving that vision.”

Aboitiz emphasized the Philippines’ readiness for foreign investment, citing its young workforce, expanding middle class, and government-led reforms in infrastructure and healthcare. He also underscored opportunities for collaboration in clean energy, where Canadian expertise could contribute significantly to the Philippines’ energy transition.

“Through collaboration, we can tackle shared challenges such as energy transition, food security, and digital transformation,” Aboitiz added. “These partnerships not only drive economic growth but also uplift communities, create jobs, and build resilience.”

Ambassador David Hartman, who extended the invitation to Aboitiz on behalf of Minister Ng, commended his leadership in fostering productive dialogue.

“Your insights and guidance have enriched this mission and reinforced the enduring ties between our nations,” Hartman said.

As the Philippines and Canada deepen their commercial and cultural ties, Aboitiz emphasized the mission’s broader significance: “We are not merely marking 75 years of relations; we are building the foundation for the next 75.”