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The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority is now on the Canada leg of its North America investment roadshow, where it aims to attract investors in defense, clean energy, infrastructure and supply chain development
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The Canada mission is in partnership with the Asian Consulting Group
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APECO is positioning the ecozone in Casiguran town as a potential national defense and clean energy hub, leveraging its strategic location along the Pacific coast
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Around 100 business executives and representatives from infrastructure, energy, mining, critical minerals, defense, aerospace, manufacturing, agriculture and logistics are expected to attend
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is now on the Canada leg of its North America investment roadshow, where it aims to attract investors in defense, clean energy, infrastructure and supply chain development, as it seeks to establish the Casiguran zone as a national defense and clean energy hub.
Led by president and CEO Gil Taway IV, APECO held the Philippines-Indo-Pacific Investment and Tax Briefing in Montreal on November 2 and is scheduled to participate in the Alberta-Philippines Trade & Investment Event in Calgary on November 5.
The investment roadshows are being conducted in partnership with the Asian Consulting Group, founded by global tax policy expert Mon Abrea.
The briefings aim to support APECO’s efforts to position itself as the country’s first national defense hub and clean energy hub.
“Investing in APECO is aligned with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which commits an initial CAD2.3 billion (approximately PHP105 billion) to strengthen economic ties, regional security and a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific. With its strategic location facing the Pacific, APECO offers Canadian businesses opportunities to participate in the development of critical infrastructure, clean energy, defense capabilities and supply chain networks,” Taway said in an emailed media release.
We see this as an opportunity to translate our countries’ shared priorities into concrete investments that generate economic growth, strengthen regional connectivity and contribute to a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he added.
Building on PH-Canada ties
APECO’s investment mission follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s July 1–4 visit to Canada, where he met Prime Minister Mark Carney to strengthen bilateral cooperation and economic ties.
The roadshow also builds on previous engagements between the two countries. In May 2026, Canada’s Minister of International Trade identified potential areas of cooperation in air and maritime defense, cybersecurity, land systems, defense procurement and supply chain development.
In June, the Philippines and Canada signed a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement, followed by the Philippine Senate’s ratification of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the two countries in August. These developments further strengthened defense cooperation and opened opportunities for expanded military engagements.
“I welcome the investment mission to Canada of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and the Asian Consulting Group as an opportunity to showcase the Philippines as a competitive and attractive investment destination. I am confident that this initiative will strengthen our engagement with Canadian investors, open new avenues for business partnerships, and generate investments that support the Philippines’ economic growth,” Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga said.
The Montreal investment briefing was co-organized by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Toronto, Fasken, HEC Montreal Entrepreneurship Hub and the Canada-ASEAN Business Council.
Alberta event
APECO will proceed to Calgary on November 5 for the Alberta-Philippines Trade and Investment Event, where it will promote investment opportunities in the energy sector, a major industry in the western Canadian province.
“As we build a self-sustaining ecozone on the eastern seaboard of Luzon, we need reliable and sustainable power, which Canadian businesses, especially those in Alberta, can help us set up given their expertise in energy. With strategic access to the Pacific, available land for energy projects, and investment incentives for locators, APECO offers Canadian businesses a ready platform to power industry and grow in the country’s gateway to the Pacific,” Taway said.
The Calgary investment briefing is being organized in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary, the Government of Alberta and Calgary Economic Development.
“We thank the Government of Alberta and Calgary Economic Development for partnering with the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary in welcoming APECO and the Asian Consulting Group to Calgary. Together, we aim to open new doors for Alberta and Saskatchewan businesses to invest in the Philippines, particularly in energy, agriculture, defense, and advanced technologies, turning opportunities into concrete investments, lasting partnerships, and shared prosperity,” Philippine Consul General in Calgary Emma Sarne said.
Around 100 business executives and representatives from infrastructure, energy, mining, critical minerals, defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, agriculture and logistics, among other sectors, are expected to attend the investment roadshows.
Ottawa meetings
The APECO delegation will also travel to Ottawa to meet with representatives of the Canadian Commercial Corporation, Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, JCM Power and Sandstone Group.
“The investment mission of President and CEO Usec. Gil G. Taway IV and the APECO delegation to Canada marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening bilateral economic and industrial cooperation between the Philippines and Canada. As the Philippines advances its Self-Reliant Defense Posture, APECO’s strategic location along the Philippines’ Pacific seaboard positions it as a premier, future-ready defense and industrial ecozone hub for Canadian defense technology, manufacturing, and dual-use innovation,” PTIC-Toronto commercial counsellor and trade commissioner Mario Tani said.
“Through the office of the Department of Trade and Industry in Canada, the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in Toronto, we remain committed to bridge Canadian expertise with APECO’s strategic advantages to build resilient supply chains and drive long-term value for both our nations,” added Tani.
READ: PH-Canada trade negotiations continue with 3rd round set in July
