(Malacañang Press Corps Pool photo)
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and Canada have concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), paving the way for expanded trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The development was announced during a bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday, November 14, on the sidelines of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila.
Both governments are targeting the formal signing of the agreement in 2027 and are working to complete the remaining procedures to bring the trade pact into force as soon as possible.
During the meeting, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to translating its strategic partnership with Canada into concrete initiatives, citing progress made following his visit to Vancouver in July.
“We have made a great deal of progress in that visit, and we have moved on from just the diplomatic relations to strategic partnership,” Marcos said.
The President also highlighted the nearly one million Filipinos living in Canada, describing the Filipino community as an important foundation of the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
Carney welcomed the progress in bilateral ties and thanked Marcos for pursuing an ambitious strategic partnership that includes a comprehensive trade agreement.
The Canadian leader said the efforts of both countries’ negotiating teams would help attract investments to the Philippines and promote fair trade.
Beyond economic cooperation, Marcos and Carney reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense ties and expanding collaboration in other areas of mutual interest.
The conclusion of FTA negotiations marks another step in the Philippines and Canada’s efforts to deepen their strategic partnership, with the formal signing and implementation of the agreement expected to follow the completion of the necessary procedures.
