Export Development Canada opens new office in Manila

Canadian businesses eyeing opportunities in the Philippines are set to benefit from the launch of the Export Development Canada (EDC) office in Manila.

The state-owned export credit agency officially announced its Manila presence during a plenary session at the Canadian Embassy Thursday last week, coinciding with a Canadian Trade Mission’s visit to the country.

“We’ve been thinking about this for four years. One of our strategic priorities was to grow business for Canadians in the Indo-Pacific region,” said EDC president and CEO Mairead Lavery.

She highlighted the Philippines’ improved business environment, noting government efforts to enhance ease of doing business. “Financially, economically, I think your government is also really trying to be easier for businesses to establish here. So, the ease of doing business has really improved, and just at this point, it is a really exciting time for the Philippines, and Canada wants to be part of that.”

The EDC’s new office marks its 11th international location, joining others in key hubs such as Vietnam and Singapore.

Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development Mary Ng described the opening as “historic,” emphasizing that EDC is the first export credit agency from a G7 country to establish operations in the Philippines.

As part of its initial efforts, EDC signed a memorandum of understanding with San Miguel Corp., aiming to foster collaborations and facilitate connections between Filipino and Canadian companies.