Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu issued in the House of Commons of the government’s intent to initiate negotiations toward a Canada-Philippines Free Trade Agreement.
Canada and the Philippines launched exploratory discussions toward a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on December 5, 2024.
Through these bilateral discussions and supplementary research and analysis, trade officials from both countries have identified alignment in their respective approaches to trade policy and the potential for an ambitious, high-standard bilateral FTA to be reached.
The Government of Canada also held public consultations from December 7, 2024, to March 7, 2025. Broadly, the consultations yielded support for an FTA with the Philippines as a means of diversifying trade and increasing commercial opportunities.
Canada’s negotiating objectives for a Canada-Philippines FTA will be tabled in the House of Commons no later than 30 days before Canada commences negotiations with the Philippines.