11 November 2004 -  Philippine Ambassador to Ottawa Francisco L. Benedicto reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Isabela Chapter conducted a business mission to Montreal on 6 to 8 November 2004 to explore opportunities for export of Philippine products to the Canadian market. “The delegation was headed by Congressman Edwin C. Uy of the 2nd District of Isabela,” Ambassador Benedicto said. Ms. Grace Yip, Chairperson of the Federation of Philippines Canada Trade and Commerce Inc. hosted a dinner for the delegation upon their arrival on 6 November 2004.

The following day, 7 November 2004, prominent business leaders from the Filipino-Canadian community organized meetings between the delegation and Canadian businessmen.   Mr. San Tino, President of the Philippines Association of Montreal and Suburbs (FAMAS) escorted them to a number of business establishments owned by Filipino-Canadians.  During the dinner meeting hosted by the Filipino community associations in Montreal, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the PCCI- Isabela Chapter and the Federation of Philippine Canada Trade and Commerce Inc.  An open forum followed the speeches which, according to Ambassador Benedicto, proved to be productive and fruitful whereby participants expressed their enthusiasm and interest in the province of Isabela, which is abundant in resources”.

The delegation also met Mr. Marcel Tremblay, Councilor for Intercultural Affairs and brother of the Mayor of the city of Montreal on 8 November 2004.  After the courtesy call, the delegation proceeded to the Finance and Economic Development Building for a business conference attended by local government officials of the province of Quebec, federal government representatives and Canadian business executives.

A presentation on the Profile of Development of Montreal was made Mr. Jean Francois Chapleau, resource speaker of the Economic Development of Asia, while Mr. Claude Tardif , Director of Manufacturers and Exportation discussed the prospects of trade in Montreal.   In his brief remarks, Ambassador Benedicto stressed the delegation’s objectives in conducting a Business Mission in Canada and urged Canadians to try Philippine products offering the Embassy’s service and assistance.   Mr. Elmer Cadiz, President and CEO, STI College and member of the delegation, gave a briefing on the purpose of their Business Mission and made a presentation on Isabela and its developments.

“Based on the feedback from the members of the delegation, the Mission was a tremendous success,” Ambassador Benedicto said. According to him, the members of the delegation found the program in Montreal very substantive and beyond their expectations, since they were able to get a vivid outlook on the Canadian market and the opportunities available through their meetings with the prospective clients and business executives.   More than 50 Canadian business executives present during the business conference manifested interest in Philippine products, according Ambassador Benedicto.  END