Makati city: The Philippines is planning to push for the conclusion of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) within its chairship of the bloc in 2026, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo stated during a Canada Embassy-led Stratbase forum in Makati City, "During our chairship of the ASEAN this year, part of our priority economic deliverable would be to sign and conclude the Canada-ASEAN FTA, plus, of course, to even go faster on a Philippines-Canada FTA." The initial rounds of FTA negotiations between Ottawa and Manila began in 2022.

In the last ASEAN-Canada Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) meeting in September 2025, both parties formally concluded the chapters on Good Regulatory Practices and Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation. Canada's projections suggest that an FTA could increase its gross domestic product (GDP) by USD 2.54 billion and boost Canadian exports to ASEAN countries by as much as USD 2.67 billion.

Canada is also aiming to finalize a bilateral FTA with the Philippines by the end of 2026, with the conclusion of talks anticipated to finish a few months earlier than the Canada-ASEAN FTA, according to Rodolfo. David Hartman, the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, emphasized that Canada "remains fully committed" to adhering to the established timeline with Manila.

In the forum, Canada's Former Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business, and Economic Development, Mary Ng, highlighted the significance of the anticipated trade deal as a testament to both nations' dedication to fostering stable trade and investment environments amidst global economic uncertainties. She remarked, "We are countries that are middle powers who care about the rules-based trade system."

Ng further underlined the importance of economic agreements, stating, "Economic security is national security. And to have that framework with the Philippines is really important because it says to the private sector as well, who count on governments to create stable investment environments, that that agreement is going to give us that bilaterally."