Vancouver, British Columbia
Tourism is a powerful economic driver that creates jobs, supports small businesses and strengthens communities. It also brings people together, encourages investment and deepens the partnerships that help economies grow.
Yesterday, in Vancouver, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), and Her Excellency Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the field of tourism. The agreement establishes a framework for Canada and the Philippines to exchange information, data and best practices to support tourism growth in both countries. It also reinforces tourism's role in driving economic growth, creating opportunities for businesses and workers, and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Canada and the Philippines share a robust trade and investment partnership. The tourism MOU builds on that momentum, complementing ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation, including through negotiation of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Canada free trade agreement (FTA) and a bilateral Canada-Philippines FTA.
Canada and the Philippines have a strong tourism relationship, supported by close people-to-people ties, a large Filipino-Canadian community, visiting-friends-and-relatives travel, education-related travel and a growing two-way interest in leisure and culturally rich tourism experiences. Nearly one million Canadians of Filipino origin call Canada home, and many Canadians choose to live, work and travel in the Philippines.
As Canada welcomes more visitors and expands international partnerships, tourism continues to create opportunity across the country. Every visitor supports local businesses, helps create jobs and contributes to communities large and small. This agreement will help strengthen an already close relationship while opening the door to even greater economic opportunity in the years ahead.
