Philippines, Canada Conclude Free Trade Negotiations

The Philippines and Canada have concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) seen to expand opportunities for Filipino businesses, freelancers and online workers and strengthen military cooperation.

President Marcos and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney witnessed the exchange of a joint statement announcing the conclusion of the FTA talks during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Pasay City on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Digital trade, services and micro, small and medium enterprises are among the areas covered by the proposed agreement, which the two countries aim to sign next year.

Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque and Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu exchanged the signed joint statement, although the document has yet to enumerate specific rules, provisions and commitments.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the conclusion of the talks “marks a significant step toward expanding opportunities for Philippine products and services in the Canadian market.”

“The agreement could help local businesses reach more buyers, expand their customer base and create more opportunities for Filipino workers, including those providing services online,” the PCO said.

According to the agency, the deal could help Filipino entrepreneurs reach Canadian customers and expand their businesses.

Greater access to buyers could also raise demand for Philippine-made products, boost production and generate more jobs.

Filipino freelancers engaged in graphic design, software development, writing and other online work are also expected to benefit from improved access to the Canadian market.

“The potential benefits could also extend to Filipino entrepreneurs and online sellers seeking to expand their businesses and reach customers beyond the domestic market,” the agency said. “These opportunities could allow more Filipinos to earn from international clients without having to work overseas, while supporting the growth of the country’s digital services sector.”

During their bilateral meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center, Marcos and Carney also tackled investment opportunities under the Luzon Economic Corridor, particularly in transportation, infrastructure, agri-food, food logistics and cold-chain technologies.

The initiative of the United States, Japan and the Philippines aims to support connectivity among Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas.

Beyond economic ties, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to stronger defense, security and maritime cooperation, as well as promoting peace, stability and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

The Philippine and Canadian armies are looking to expand joint military activities to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Newly designated Canadian Defense Attaché Col. Marc-Antoine Fecteau met with Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran at Fort Bonifacio on Friday to discuss possible initiatives.

Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the two officials reaffirmed their commitment to expanded army-to-army cooperation during the high-level courtesy call.

The meeting followed Gumiran’s visit to his Canadian counterpart at the Canadian Army headquarters in Ottawa on Nov. 3 and the Philippine-Canada Military Cooperation Working Group meeting held in Manila from Nov. 9 to 12.

During their discussions, Gumiran and Fecteau explored areas for expanded cooperation and mechanisms to sustain bilateral ties through regular staff engagements and combined activities, Dema-ala said.

“The high-level call affirms the Philippine Army’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces,” he said. – With an additional report from Michael Punongbayan