16 October 2013 - The Philippines was designated as the first-ever feature country of international focus by a noted business association in Atlantic Canada.

The American Chamber of Commerce of Atlantic Canada feted the visiting Philippine delegation of Team Philippines in Canada, led by Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan, as the chamber launched its first in a series of international focus country features in Halifax.

The Chamber hosted a luncheon on October 04 for the visiting Team, which also included Dr. Josyline Javelosa, Philippine Agriculture Attaché based in Washington D.C.; Michelle Sanchez, Commercial Counsellor in the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York; Tourism Directors Vernie Morales and Mitch Dy from Chicago and New York, respectively; Minister Eric Tamayo from the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa; and Philippine Honorary Consul General in Halifax Sean Sears and Ms. Champ Reyes. Members of the Halifax Consular Corps also attended the special event.

Mr. David Gough, Chairman of the Chamber, welcomed the visiting delegation. Mr. Gough was also joined by Mr. John Holmes, the Dean of the Honorary Consular Corps in Halifax, at the Morrow Room of the historic and heritage site headquarters of the Halifax Club.

Ambassador Gatan exhorted the business group to regard the Philippines as a partner of progress and development with respect to Atlantic Canada and the global setting. Meanwhile, Dr. Javelosa, Ms. Sanchez and Ms. Morales made the case for the Philippine value proposition by highlighting both products and services unique to the Philippines, and possible complementarities in the global supply chains.

Dr. Javelosa highlighted coconut products, whose health benefits have drawn much attention in the Canadian market. Ms. Sanchez cited possible synergies in service trade particularly in business process management.

Ms. Morales invited the members of the chamber and the Consular Corps to visit the Philippines and take part in the special Winter Escapade – It’s More Fun in the Philippines Tour in January 2014.

The Atlantic Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada is Atlantic Canada’s global business association affiliated with the US Chamber of Commerce.

The Team received compelling interests from the chamber and offered its assistance in disseminating the good news about the Philippines. END