16 October 2013 – Philippine Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan, leading a composite economic diplomacy mission of Team Philippines in Canada to the province of Nova Scotia, discussed possible synergies and complementarities between the Philippines and Nova Scotia in a breakfast forum in Halifax on October 04 with the business enablers of Nova Scotia.

In a forum organized by the Nova Scotia Business Incorporated (NSBI), the Ambassador met with the various provincial officials responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs Agriculture, the Communities, Culture and Heritage, the Executive Council, Labour and Advanced Education and Economic Development.

Accompanying the Ambassador were Minister Eric Tamayo from Ottawa, Agriculture Attaché Dr. Josyline Javelosa from Washington D.C.,  Commercial Counsellor Michelle Sanchez from New York, and Tourism Directors Vernie Morales and Mitch Dy from Chicago and New York respectively, and Philippine Honorary Consul General in Halifax Sean Sears and Ms. Champ Reyes.

The Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) is Nova Scotia’s private sector-led business development agency. NSBI helps companies enhance their competitiveness through trade development, financing and venture capital. It is also responsible for attracting new direct investment to the province, driving the growth of Nova Scotia's economy.

The Nova Scotia economy is being driven by offshore natural gas production. The Irving Shipyards in Haliafx is poised to become the largest shipyard in North America in the next few years.

NSBI Vice President Peter MacAskill and NSBI Investment Attraction Acting Managing Director John Ludovice expressed interest in pursuing a possible trade mission to the Philippines soon. Intergovernmental Affairs Deputy Minister Catherine Blewett welcomed the Ambassador and his party and further welcomed the visiting delegation’s interest in linking Philippine and Nova Scotia enterprises. END