25 November 2004 – Consul General Alejandro B. Mosquera today reported to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo that the successful business mission of the province of Isabela to Toronto, Niagara, Delhi, Simcoe and Winnipeg has resulted in the opening the new markets for Philippine products and services in Ontario and Manitoba.   “We hope that, with Congressman Edwin Uy’s presentation on investment opportunities in Isabela, one or two Canadian companies would give the province a visit next year, and possibly set-up business, there,” said Consul General Mosquera.

Secretary Romulo acknowledged that the meeting of the delegation with Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Tony Wong (Parliamentary Assistant, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade) made a significant mark in the business mission. “This obviously is a new start in building a business relationship with the province of Ontario.”   The Secretary added: “While the groundwork has been laid, much has yet to be done. And the Consulate in Toronto, along with the Filipino-Canadian business community, would be playing a supportive role in this endeavor.”

Consul General Mosquera said that the business delegates were apprised of the demands of the Canadian market and advised on how to approach it. They were also given information on the requirements of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on the exportation of their produce, and equally important, the partnering of information technology and agri-business. This information, as provided by topnotch resource speakers, is vital in the growth strategies of Isabela, the Consul General said.

On 10 November, 2004, Niagara MPP Kim Craitor, Deputy Lord Mayor Art Viola and the Chief Administrative Office Lew Holloway welcomed the delegation at Joseph’s Estate Wines. From there, the delegation proceeded to the tourist areas, the concepts of which the provincial leadership plans to adopt for the tourism promotion of Isabela, specifically for Magat Dam as a tourist destination, it being one of the largest dams in Asia.

Simultaneously, Mr. Kendric Pua of the Isabela Tobacco Company, together with Consul Julius Torres, toured the tobacco belt in Delhi and Simcoe, Ontario to witness the Dutch Clock system at the Tobacco Auction Exchange and the processing of tobacco at Simcoe Leaf Tobacco Company limited. The party also met with the Ontario Flu-Cured Tobacco Grower’s Marketing Board.

Prior to their arrival in Toronto, the business delegation visited Winnipeg, where they met with the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce and the Filipino-Canadian Business Council of Manitoba. The representatives of the wood-based industries toured the facilities of Palliser, one of the largest manufacturers of furniture in Canada, as part of their benchmarking activities.  END