BIZ BUZZ: Ooh la la! The Canadians are coming

Better late than very much later.

Indeed, after 27 years, the Canadian government is sending a powerhouse trade mission to the Philippines.

Led by Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, the team of Canadian businesses, investors and entrepreneurs comprising Team Canada will visit the Philippines next month.

READ: Canada asks for PH support in ASEAN free trade negotiations

Insiders told Biz Buzz that the trade mission that will be sent as part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, will help Canadian exporters and innovators position themselves in the Philippines by showcasing their capabilities and competitiveness while facilitating long-term trade and investment opportunities.

“With the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia in 2023; a young, tech-savvy, English-speaking population; and recent economic reforms, the Philippines offers thriving commercial opportunities that are expected to continue to expand,” Ng said earlier.

Information from the Canadian government showed that more than 200 companies from Canada are expected to participate in this Team Canada Trade Mission.

They will focus on areas of Canadian competitive advantage in four priority sectors: agriculture and processed foods, including fish and seafood; clean technologies, clean energy and green mining; information and communication technology; as well as infrastructure, including airport, smart city and nuclear technologies.

The trade mission will include programming such as: networking opportunities with Canadian and Filipino business leaders; on-site business briefings by Canada’s trade commissioners, senior officials, and key local industry players, market overviews and/or roundtables with local industry players and experts, and pre-arranged business to business meetings.

The long-awaited mission will be among the highlights of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Canada and the Philippines. — Tina Arceo-Dumlao

More Watsons PH stores to go 24/7

Good news for beauty and health aficionados!

Watsons Philippines is looking to turn more of its local outlets in the country to 24/7 stores, with the company expected to implement these transformations as early as the first quarter of next year.

READ: Watsons PH to open 90 more stores in 2025

Watsons Philippines senior assistant vice president for marketing communications, public relations and sustainability Sharon Decapia shared this timetable with Biz Buzz during the company’s announcement on Monday that they have opened 8,000 stores across the globe.

“We will make the announcement once we are ready. Some of these stores are already operational and we just need to change the signages,“ she said.

More 24/7 stores means customers will get more pick where they want to do their round-the-clock shopping, as well having more store options where they want to book a delivery anytime.

Decapia said that their Guadalupe branch is the only outlet that operates 24/7 at this time.

The beauty and healthiness store chain has over 1,100 stores in the Philippines today, with 30 more opening this year and another 80 to 90 planned for 2025. —Alden M. Monzon