MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and Canada have concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), the two countries announced on Saturday, November 14, ahead of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila.
“The Philippines and Canada are pleased to announce the conclusion of negotiations of the Philippines-Canada FTA through a joint statement signed by the secretary of trade and industry of the Philippines and the minister of the international trade of Canada,” said Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney witnessed the signing of the joint statement alongside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday. Carney is also joining the summit as a guest of ASEAN chair Marcos.
Roque said the two countries will work towards the signing of the FTA in 2027.
“The joint statement also represents both countries’ commitment to expeditiously facilitate the implementation of the agreement and ensure that the resulting opportunities and benefits will directly impact the Filipino and Canadian peoples,” she said.
Official talks for the FTA between Canada and the Philippines started only in October 2025 or just shortly before a different bilateral agreement on military ties was signed.
The pace and level of bilateral engagement between Canada and the Philippines has grown dramatically under Marcos.
