On Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney wrapped up his visit to Manila by concluding a free-trade agreement with the Philippines and targeting a broader regional pact before heading to Cambodia, Castanet reported.
The Prime Minister announced the substantial conclusion of negotiations toward an ASEAN-Canada free trade agreement (ACAFTA) alongside a bilateral deal with the Philippines, according to Prime Minister of Canada. Officials project the broader ASEAN accord will add nearly $2 billion to Canada’s GDP once in force.
Carney met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, Global News reported. Both leaders signed a document formally ending negotiations that had restarted a year prior.
Here in Manila, we just wrapped up negotiations on two major free trade agreements — with the Philippines and with ASEAN. pic.twitter.com/QowKQgJSha
“A ship that stays in the harbour is safe, but that’s not what a ship is for. And it takes a leader to take the ship out of the harbour into choppy waters and reach a destination,” Carney told Marcos in Manila, as reported by Global News. “In terms of our relationship, you’ve been able to do that.”
Trade Pacts Target Pacific Growth
Ottawa intends to sign the bilateral Philippines agreement in 2027. The Philippines represents an economy of $680 billion and a market exceeding 110 million people, positioning it among Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
🇨🇦🇵🇭 Important weekend for Canada’s engagement with the #Philippines and #ASEAN, with Carney meeting President Marcos and the expected conclusion of negotiations on two FTAs with the Philippines and ASEAN. Equally significant is Canada's deepening defence and security… pic.twitter.com/hTunMvGWs4
Bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the Philippines reached $3.4 billion in 2025. Canada primarily exported mineral ores, meat, cereals, fertilizers, and aircraft, while importing cooking oils, leather, and rubber products.
Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said that the wider ASEAN agreement secures access to smaller countries. Canada also maintains deeper individual agreements with Indonesia and the Philippines.
“In a more dangerous and divided world, a dense web of connections holds strong,” Carney said in a statement released by the Prime Minister of Canada. “Two agreements in one year: that is the speed and ambition this moment demands.”
Shifting Focus to Cambodia
Following his engagements in Manila, Carney planned to meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit. He then scheduled his departure for Cambodia.
One year ago, Canada and the Philippines launched talks on a new free trade agreement. Today, we’ve already concluded the negotiations.⁰⁰This gives Canadian farmers, producers, and business owners a competitive advantage in this fast-growing market.⁰⁰We’re diversifying our… pic.twitter.com/MnR8EfZZoI
In Phnom Penh, Carney will attend a summit of the Francophonie, which includes a dedicated side event focused on technology trade. He is also set to meet with Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.
Plamondon continues to push for greater autonomy regarding Quebec’s international relations. Sidhu told reporters travelling with the delegation that Ottawa is working constructively with the province.
🇨🇦 🇵🇭 Significant outcomes from Carney’s ASEAN visit: conclusion of Canada–Philippines FTA negotiations and substantial conclusion of the broader Canada–ASEAN FTA. Also great to see Canada’s rapidly deepening strategic partnership with the #Philippines, from defence and maritime… pic.twitter.com/oJjVOWjC7a
