Manila | Ho Chi Minh City | Jakarta
CANADA-IN-ASIA:
M MENTUM
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Where Canada and Asia Meet: Ideas. Investment. Impact.
The Canada-in-Asia: Momentum is a milestone engagement series leading up to the Canada-in-Asia Conference 2026 (CIAC2026), February 10-11 in Singapore, which convenes senior leaders from government, business, and academia to explore key issues shaping Canada–Asia relations.
Each Momentum event spotlighted key issues – and opportunities – facing Canada and Asia and support business collaboration opportunities
Momentum events across cities in the Indo-Pacific region introduced senior executives, investors, policymakers, and researchers in Asia looking to develop new partnerships to the Canada-in-Asia series and kickstart discusses on the critical pillars of CIAC2026: food security, energy security, and infrastructure.
1. Manila, Philippines
November 17, 2025
2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
November 27, 2025
3. Jakarta, Indonesia
December 10, 2025
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Canada-in-Asia: Momentum Manila
The Manila session spotlighted food security, agricultural innovation, trade facilitation, and Canada-Philippines business collaboration opportunities.
Venue:
Ayala Museum
Makati Avenue, corner Dela Rosa Street, Ayala Center, Makati City, 1229 Metro Manila, Philippines
Date:
November 17, 2025
Time:
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (PHT)
Registration at 1:00 p.m.
OPENING REMARKS
His Excellency David Hartman
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines
INTRODUCTION
Barrett Bingley
Asia Regional Director, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
PARTNER ADDRESS
Antonio lambino
President and Trustee, Ayala Foundation Inc.
FIRESIDE CHAT
The Honourable Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Secretary, Philippines Department of Agriculture
FIRESIDE CHAT
Diedrah Kelly
Executive Director, Canada's Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO)
MODERATOR
Christopher Ilagen
President, CanCham Philippines
MODERATOR
Vicky Yap
VP of Global Procurement, Universal Robina Corporation
PANELLIST
John Gruetzner
Research Director, Grow Indo-Pacific Canada
PANELLIST
Jet Ambalada
Director, Philippine Association of Meat Processors, Inc.
PANELLIST
Dr. Nathaniel Bantayan
Vice Chancellor for Research & Extension, University of the Philippines - Los Banos
HOST
Michelle "Mimi" Ong
Anchor, Market Edge, ABS-CBN News Channel
Program:
1:00 p.m.
Arrival and registration
1:30 p.m.
Opening remarks and introductions
1:45 p.m.
Keynote address
1:50 p.m.
Fireside chat
2:10 p.m.
Panel Discussion
3:50 p.m.
Closing remarks
4:00 p.m.
Networking
Refreshments provided
Free entry into the museum for all invited guests
Dress code: Business Attire
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Canada-In-Asia: Momentum In The News
Canada-In-Asia: Momentum | In The News
Anatara News (Indonesia)
Canada shifts trade focus to ASEAN after tariff war with US
"The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) think tank stated that Canada is increasingly focusing on the ASEAN market after the tariff war with the United States affected trade relations between the two countries.
APF Canada's Asia Regional Director, Barrett Bingley, said at the Canada–In-Asia: Momentum Jakarta event on Wednesday that Canada is now seeking new markets as it seeks to reduce its economic dependence on the US. He considers ASEAN to be the most promising region thanks to its young demographics and high Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
Bingley expressed confidence that Canada's trade growth would not come from Europe because the continent was not showing strong GDP growth.According to him, the global economic growth in the next few years will systematically be concentrated in several regions in Asia."
Bogor Raya Daily
Canada Confirms Indonesia as a Priority Partner in the Agri-Food Sector
"Bingley, Regional Director for Asia for the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada ), emphasized that the current cooperation environment between Indonesia and Canada is at its strongest point in history, particularly in the sectors of food security , agribusiness, processed food, cold chain logistics, and food safety technology.
He conveyed this in his remarks at the “Canada in Asia: Momentum Jakarta” event held on December 10, 2025. In his speech, Bingley commended all the organizing partners—from the Canadian Embassy , ICCC, GAPMMI, Kadin, CABC, to PIIS AGRO—who he said played a significant role in broadening the bridges of economic collaboration between the two countries. He stated that the successful implementation of the Momentum series in Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, and finally Jakarta, demonstrated the region's enthusiasm for the strategic partnership with Canada ."
Manilla Standard
Rice policy delays raise alarm as planting season nears
“Rice will always be a political staple, but our future prosperity depends on looking beyond rice, supporting diversified, high-value crops for both domestic benefit and export potential,” said Philippines Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa, during a fireside chat hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
The event gathered more than 80 business leaders and agriculture officials from both Canada and the Philippines to discuss innovations that can strengthen regional food systems and improve supply chain resilience.
Barrett Bingley, Asia Regional Director at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, and Christopher Ilagan, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, said Momentum Manila highlighted practical opportunities for collaboration on food security.
They added that these discussions will continue at the Canada in Asia Conference 2026, further advancing joint initiatives to strengthen regional food systems.
Canada-In-Asia: Momentum | Multimedia
Photo Albums
Videos
Canada-in-Asia: Momentum Manila Highlights Reel
The Manila session, hosted at the Ayala Museum on November 17, 2025, focused on opportunities for Canada-Philippines co-operation on agri-food and food security supply chains.
Featuring keynote speakers from Canada and the Philippines, a fireside chat, and panel discussion on agri-food and food security.