Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will push to conclude a Philippines-Canada free trade agreement during his Manila visit this month, advancing a deal Ottawa expects to triple bilateral trade by 2035 and open wider market access for exporters and businesses in both countries.
Carney will attend the ASEAN Summit as Guest of the Chair and use the visit to push for the conclusion of both the bilateral trade pact and a separate ASEAN-Canada free trade agreement, his office announced on November 4.
The trade push follows progress reported by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of International Trade Relations after the fourth negotiating round in Toronto on September 8 to 11.
In a September 14 statement, the bureau said negotiators had made significant headway on agreement texts and market access, with both countries maintaining their target of concluding negotiations within 2026.
The DTI earlier indicated that only a few outstanding issues remained, which could be resolved through virtual discussions and smaller negotiating meetings ahead of a possible November conclusion.
However, concluding negotiations would not immediately bring the agreement into force. The pact would still undergo legal review, signing and the necessary domestic approval processes.
Beyond merchandise trade, the negotiations also cover cross-border services, recognition of professional qualifications and the temporary movement of businesspeople.
The DTI has consulted Filipino professionals in Canada, including representatives from healthcare, engineering, architecture, education and accountancy, on provisions that could expand opportunities for Philippine service providers and skilled professionals.
Canada valued bilateral merchandise trade at C$3.4 billion in 2025. The proposed bilateral and regional agreements are part of both governments’ efforts to expand commercial ties, market access and investment.
For the Philippines, the negotiations could open additional opportunities for exporters and service professionals, while giving Canadian businesses a broader platform for investment in the country.
