Canadian investors wooed at APECO roadshows
‘Investing in APECO is aligned with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which commits an initial CAD2.3 billion (approximately P105 billion) to strengthen economic ties, regional security and a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific. With its strategic location facing the Pacific, APECO offers Canadian businesses opportunities to participate in the development of critical infrastructure, clean energy, defense capabilities and supply chain networks.’
AURORA Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority president and CEO Undersecretary Gil Taway IV (third from left) and his team paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Consulate General in Houston, Texas, before proceeding to scheduled roadshows in Canada to woo more Canadian investors to invest in APECO, particularly in the defense and energy sectors.
Photograph courtesy of apeco
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has kicked off its investment roadshows in Canada on Monday to entice more investors in the ecozone, highlighting opportunities in priority sectors such as defense and energy.
Led by president and CEO Undersecretary Gil G. Taway IV, APECO held the Philippines–Indo-Pacific Investment and Tax Briefing in Montreal and is set to participate in the Alberta-Philippines Trade & Investment Event in Calgary on 5 November.
The investment roadshows are in partnership with the Asian Consulting Group founded by global tax policy expert Mon Abrea.
National defense hub
The briefings geared towards supporting APECO’s positioning as the first national defense hub and clean energy hub.
“Investing in APECO is aligned with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which commits an initial CAD2.3 billion (approximately P105 billion) to strengthen economic ties, regional security and a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific. With its strategic location facing the Pacific, APECO offers Canadian businesses opportunities to participate in the development of critical infrastructure, clean energy, defense capabilities and supply chain networks,” said Undersecretary Taway.
“We see this as an opportunity to translate our countries’ shared priorities into concrete investments that generate economic growth, strengthen regional connectivity and contribute to a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he added.
APECO’s visit to Canada follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official visit to the country in July, during which he met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to advance bilateral cooperation and economic ties.
Investment mission
The investment mission builds on previous engagements between the two countries.
In May 2026, Canada’s Minister of International Trade identified potential areas of cooperation in air and maritime defense, cybersecurity, land systems, defense procurement and supply chain development.
In June, the Philippines and Canada signed a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement, while the Philippine Senate ratified the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries last August, further strengthening defense cooperation and paving the way for expanded military engagements.
Showcasing the Philippines
“I welcome the investment mission to Canada of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and the Asian Consulting Group as an opportunity to showcase the Philippines as a competitive and attractive investment destination. I am confident that this initiative will strengthen our engagement with Canadian investors, open new avenues for business partnerships, and generate investments that support the Philippines’ economic growth,” Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga said.
On 5 November, APECO will join the Alberta-Philippines Trade and Investment Event in Calgary to promote investment opportunities in the energy sector, a major industry in the western Canadian province.
Reliable and sustainable power needed
“As we build a self-sustaining ecozone on the eastern seaboard of Luzon, we need reliable and sustainable power, which Canadian businesses, especially those in Alberta, can help us set up given their expertise in energy. With strategic access to the Pacific, available land for energy projects, and investment incentives for locators, APECO offers Canadian businesses a ready platform to power industry and grow in the country’s gateway to the Pacific,” Taway said.
Around 100 business executives and representatives in infrastructure, energy, mining, critical minerals, defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics, among others, are expected to attend investment roadshows.