Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Lead Convenor and Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz, delivered a keynote address at the Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines on December 6, 2024. The mission, which also marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines, was attended by over 300 Canadian business leaders exploring opportunities to deepen economic collaboration in the Philippines.
Aboitiz co-chaired the Canada and PSAC Roundtable alongside The Honourable Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development. Held earlier in the day, the roundtable identified key areas of cooperation, including renewable energy, infrastructure development, agriculture, and digital innovation, to further strengthen the commercial relationship 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 during his remarks. “Canada and the Philippines share a vision for sustainable, inclusive growth, and this trade mission is a powerful step toward achieving that vision.”
Aboitiz highlighted the Philippines’ readiness for foreign investment, emphasizing its young, skilled population, growing middle class, and significant government-led reforms in infrastructure and healthcare. He pointed to the Philippines’ efforts to balance its energy needs with environmental commitments as an area where Canadian expertise in clean energy could play a transformative role.
“Through collaboration, we can tackle shared challenges such as energy transition, food security, and digital transformation,” Aboitiz said. “These partnerships not only drive economic growth but also uplift communities, create jobs, and build resilience.”
Ambassador David Hartman, who extended the invitation to Sabin Aboitiz on behalf of Minister Ng, lauded his leadership in fostering meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions. “Your insights and guidance have enriched this mission and reinforced the enduring ties between our nations,” Ambassador Hartman stated.
As the Philippines and Canada continue to deepen their commercial and cultural ties, Aboitiz emphasized that this milestone mission is just the beginning of a strengthened partnership. “We are not merely marking 75 years of relations; we are building the foundation for the next 75,” he said.
The Team Canada Trade Mission underscored the shared commitment of both countries to drive progress in key industries while fostering innovation and sustainable development for future generations.
About Private Sector Advisory Council
The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) has been established strategically by President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr to create and strengthen innovative new synergies between the private and public sectors. PSAC comprises business leaders and experts across six main sectoral groups — Agriculture, Digital Infrastructure, Jobs, Healthcare, Build-Build-Build, and Tourism.
The Council helps the government deliver on its commitment to transform the Philippine economy by implementing robust infrastructure programs, creating more jobs and attracting more investors, digitizing processes, and improving agricultural productivity through the recalibration of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), jumpstart Philippine Tourism and ensuring an equitable, sustainable, and inclusive business landscape for Filipinos.
PSAC will continuously recommend modern policy development to the government and report regularly to the President to provide feedback and adjust recommendations based on what is happening on the ground.
