Canada Nears Finalization of Free Trade Deals with Philippines and ASEAN
Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu announced that free trade negotiations with the Philippines and the ASEAN block are over 90% complete, targeting finalization before Prime Minister Mark Carney's November visit to Manila. The agreements aim to diversify economic ties and strengthen supply chains, with a focus on LNG exports and investments in Philippine infrastructure.
Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has announced that negotiations for separate free trade agreements between Canada and the Philippines, as well as between Canada and the ASEAN block, are more than 90 percent complete. Ottawa aims to have both deals ready by the time Prime Minister Mark Carney visits Manila in November.
According to Sidhu, this trade push is part of Canada’s broader strategy to diversify economic ties and strengthen supply chains amid global uncertainties. He clarified that the deepening of ties with Southeast Asia is not primarily driven by shifts in U.S. trade policy but represents a long-standing plan for diversification.
Energy, specifically growing liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, is identified as Canada’s biggest offering to Southeast Asia. There are currently more than five LNG projects in various stages of development on Canada’s Pacific coast geared toward supplying Asian markets. This initiative comes as Southeast Asian economies face higher energy costs and supply concerns due to disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Beyond energy, Canada has committed funding to support the Luzon Economic Corridor, a manufacturing hub located on the Philippines’ largest island. Additionally, Canadian officials see investment opportunities in the Philippines’ growing data-centre sector, which is being driven by demand for AI and digital services.