Canadian Trade Minister
Edward Fast met with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin this week to discuss
better defense cooperation between the two countries as well as the helicopter
project.
An updated news release from the Canadian
government, Fast said that Canada had "ongoing interest" in helping
the Philippines to improve its "defense and security program,".
Both officials also stressed the recent signing
of a $105-million contract for a firm which Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. will
supply the Philippines eight units of specialized helicopters.
"This contract is an outcome of the
Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Commercial Corporation and the
(DND) of the Philippines," Canada said.
The Philippines is
gearing to get a minimum credible defense position, especially in the maritime
domain amid concerns on China's tightening militarization in the South China
Sea.
Last February, the Philippines and Canada have signed
an agreement seeking to advance the capabilities of Filipino soldiers by
providing them training military opportunities.
One more Canadian firm,
Eagle Copters Ltd. in a joint project with American company Rice Aircraft
Services Inc., took a deal with Manila to supply UH-1 combat utility
helicopters in December 2013. Meanwhile, the Canadian Minister said that the
deal focuses on Canada’s abilities as a manufacturer and supplier in the
defense and security part.  |
| Photo credit:ctvnews |
Fast led a trade operation to the Philippines on
July 21 and 22, highlighting opportunities in the defense, agriculture,
information and communications technologies and more. The mission also sought
to "promote greater trade, job creation and prosperity both at home and
abroad."
