Canadian Foreign Minister Urges Increased Ph-Canada Trade and Investments

Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird, M.P. called for increased trade and investments between the Philippines and Canada, saying that the presence of huge numbers of Filipinos in Canada should spur a livelier trade in goods across the Pacific. In a dinner hosted in his honor by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Minister Baird said there is much potential for moving the two countries' economic relations forward. Minister Baird noted that the Philippines has become Canada's number one source of immigrants and overseas workers, with over 800,000 Filipinos now residing in the country. Minister Baird said: "We should be able to raise the level of our bilateral trade, and the Filipino diaspora could provide the needed impetus for this." Minister Baird also mentioned the huge potential for increasing tourist arrivals from Canada to the Philippines. "Family members and friends of Filipinos in Canada have heard of so many good things about the Philippines," Minister Baird said. "We should build on these people-to-people exchanges." he added. Minister Baird, who used to serve as Canada's Minister of Transportation, said the introduction of new routes for budget air carriers between Canada and the Philippines would contribute to increasing tourism exchanges and should be studied by both sides. On the deployment of Filipino workers to Canada, Minister Baird acknowledged the huge contribution of Filipino immigrants and workers to Canada's economy. "We want to ensure the ethical recruitment and protection of the welfare of Filipinos who come to work in Canada," Minister Baird said. "And that's because we want them to eventually stay and be part of Canadian society," the Minister added. Minister Baird's official visit to the Philippines began last July 16 and included a call on President Benigno S. Aquino III, a speaking engagement before a joint meeting of the Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines, and a site visit to a Gawad Kalinga village sponsored by Telus.

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