President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is heading to Canada next week with an investment-heavy agenda, seeking to translate growing bilateral ties into fresh capital for industries expected to shape the Philippines’ next phase of economic growth.
During his July 1 to 4 visit, Marcos will meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for talks that go beyond diplomacy, with trade, investment, and economic resilience sharing the spotlight alongside defense and security cooperation.
At the center of the trip is a push to attract Canadian investors into high-value sectors identified under the government’s development agenda. Marcos is set to meet business leaders to pitch opportunities in information technology, business process management, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure, and critical minerals—industries viewed as key drivers of productivity, innovation, and higher-quality jobs.
The focus reflects a broader shift in investment promotion. Rather than competing solely for traditional manufacturing projects, the Philippines is increasingly targeting capital that can strengthen digital capabilities, modernize infrastructure, and move the country further up global value chains.
Energy and critical minerals are also expected to feature prominently in the discussions. Canada is among the world’s leading mining jurisdictions and has extensive expertise in responsible resource development, making it a potential partner as the Philippines seeks to develop strategic minerals needed for advanced manufacturing and the clean energy transition.
Beyond business, the two leaders are expected to exchange views on regional developments, including the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN chairship, underscoring Canada’s growing engagement as ASEAN’s Strategic Partner. Marcos will also meet members of the Filipino community in Vancouver, recognizing their role in strengthening economic and people-to-people ties.
The visit will be the first official trip by a Philippine president to Canada in more than a decade. If investment commitments follow the meetings, it could give fresh momentum to the country’s efforts to attract capital into industries that promise growth well beyond today’s economic cycle.
