President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr arrived in Vancouver on Thursday, beginning a four‑day official visit aimed at deepening trade and investment ties with Canada.
The delegation touched down at Vancouver International Airport at 4:46 p.m. local time, according to the Presidential Communications Office. The arrival marks the start of a series of engagements scheduled over the next four days.
Marcos is scheduled to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney for bilateral talks covering trade, investment, defence, maritime cooperation and broader regional issues.
In remarks before departure from Manila, Marcos highlighted the growing momentum in Philippines‑Canada relations and emphasized collaboration in mining, critical minerals and renewable energy.
He identified expanding Canadian investment as a priority, citing sectors such as mining, information technology, business process management, nuclear energy, telecommunications, cyber technology and financial services.
The president will hold one‑on‑one meetings with business leaders and participate in roundtable discussions with private‑sector executives.
Negotiations for a Philippines‑Canada free trade agreement are progressing alongside talks for an ASEAN‑Canada agreement, with both accords expected to boost two‑way trade.
Recent developments include the opening of the Canadian market to Philippine mangoes and the launch of nonstop Vancouver‑Manila flights by Air Canada.
Marcos expects the summit with Carney to outline a broader cooperation plan, which will be drafted by the foreign affairs secretary in coordination with her Canadian counterpart.
Additional agenda items include Indo‑Pacific cooperation, ASEAN priorities, energy and food security, multilateral engagement and Canada’s expanding role in the region.
The Philippine delegation features First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta‑Marcos, Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna, Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave M. Gomez.
Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III will manage government operations during the president’s absence.
