The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Alberta Council and is preparing a separate memorandum of understanding with a Canadian power generation company, as it seeks to convert investor interest into actual projects in Casiguran, Aurora.
APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Gil Taway IV said the Alberta agreement seeks to promote trade, investment and institutional cooperation, giving the agency a channel to connect with Alberta-based companies exploring opportunities in the economic zone.
“Umaasa po tayo na sa pamamagitan po ng Alberta Council ay marami pong mapupunta at maraming makakausap, marami ang papasok na investors galing po dito sa Alberta po papunta po doon sa ating APECO,” Taway said.
The Canadian investment roadshow covered Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary, with Philippine diplomatic missions and trade offices helping facilitate meetings with prospective investors.
Beyond the Alberta agreement, APECO is preparing to formalize a separate partnership with an unnamed Canadian power generation company through a memorandum of understanding scheduled for November 14.
Taway said the signing was initially scheduled for November 3 in Ottawa but was postponed to allow both parties to make adjustments to the agreement. Company representatives are expected to travel to the Philippines for the signing.
The agency also reported interest from Canadian companies in defense, waste-to-energy and other energy-related projects, although it did not disclose prospective investment values or firm commitments.
Taway described the response from Canadian investors as encouraging, saying the delegation was “pleasantly surprised” by the level of interest generated during the meetings.
The developments could broaden APECO’s investor pipeline, although translating initial interest into actual investments will depend on final agreements, project evaluations and financing arrangements.
APECO is positioning its freeport in Casiguran as a destination for international investors, with the Canadian outreach forming part of efforts to attract foreign capital and establish cross-border commercial partnerships.
