ASEAN TRADE MISSION 2007: The Making

Trade and investments are areas of concern in any economy. Thus the objectives of any trade missions to explore possible joint ventures and promote investment opportunities between Canada and ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand, will provide the necessary impetus towards the realization of a closer and energized economic relationship. Promoting and creating a positive image of the countries involved will increase awareness on business opportunities and establish business contacts which will surely provide a lasting partnership both in the short and long term.

ASEAN as a region has a lot to offer. It has fertile agricultural lands, eco-tourist areas, forest lands, abundant supply of natural and mineral resources, educated and well motivated labor force, and most importantly, governments which are receptive to
development changes.

Meanwhile, the Canadian business community is very receptive to exploring business opportunities in the ASEAN. Thus the SOUTHEAST ASIA CANADA BUSINESS COUNCIL decided to organize the very first trade mission initiated by the private sector from October 23 to November 08, 2007– a journey that is geared to bring all these factors
into fruition.

With clockwork precision, the council thru its President, Carmelita Tapia, worked methodically and started the preparations. In early April, with the help of Consul Raul Hernandez, then Acting Head of Post of the Philippine Consulate General, mineral mining was focused on as one of the industry that needs the boost. Tony Arias, a well
respected venture capitalist, entrepreneur and founder of ALA MIDAS CAPITAL INC., with a career history of successful global commerce exposure, was approached to head the Mining Segment of the Trade Mission. Then Tony, as was expected of a capable leader, connected with the Indonesia Consulate General, and the Thai Trade Center for mining opportunities in Indonesia and Thailand.

On the other hand, Marife Furber, the council’s Director of Business Development, and the head of the eco-tourism sector, focused on education to address the need for Canadian Certified Courses in Hospitality and Tourism in the Philippines and Indonesia. In early May, she brought the Presidents of the two campuses of Canadian Tourism College to Manila to do exploratory tour of Philippine educational institutions.

Meanwhile, John Gan, a successful entrepreneur who pioneered Thai SPA in Canada worked diligently to connect the possible delegates with businesses in Thailand. Finally, in a press conference held at the FALLS Golf Course and Resort last July 28, 2007, the Trade Mission was formally announced.

In early August, the Council approached the ASEAN Heads of Mission based in Vancouver and sought their help. Philippine Consul General, Ruth Morales Prado, Indonesia Consul General, Bunyan Saptomo, and Director and Consul of Thai Trade Centre of the Royal Thai Consulate General, Pramuk Montriwat, generously offered to help. By September 15, when everything has been set and prepared, Philippine Airlines thru its country manager, Allan Coo, worked hard to get a very reasonable airfare and itinerary for the delegates.

And on September 16, the clock began to tick towards the realization of the 1st ASEAN TRADE MISSION organized by SOUTHEAST ASIA CANADA BUSINESS COUNCIL.

******