The Philippines and Canada will begin their first round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) from Feb. 18 to 20 in Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday, marking a milestone in efforts to deepen economic ties.
The talks stem from an agreement between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during their bilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur in October last year, where both leaders committed to conclude negotiations within 2026.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the launch of formal negotiations reflects the “positive momentum” in relations between the two countries. At the 7th Meeting of the Philippine-Canada Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation on Feb. 12, officials cited the FTA as a key step toward expanding trade and investment flows.
Canadian stakeholders have expressed strong support for the proposed deal, particularly export-oriented sectors such as sugar, beef, grains and pulses, which are seeking the removal of tariffs and non-tariff barriers. Supply-managed sectors, including dairy, poultry and eggs, have also indicated they are not opposed to negotiations.
Top Canadian exports to the Philippines include mineral ores, meat, cereals, wood, machinery, electronics, fertilizers and aircraft parts, while Philippine exports to Canada consist mainly of electronics, machinery, animal and vegetable oils, rubber and leather products, scientific instruments and processed food.
Both sides are also looking to enhance cooperation in energy security, critical minerals and cybersecurity under the proposed agreement.
