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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos, Carney to push Philippines-Canada free trade deal during July visit

Marcos, Carney to push Philippines-Canada free trade deal during July visit

Published Jun 27, 2026 07:53 am

At A Glance

  • President Marcos will visit Canada from July 1 to 4 at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney.
  • The two leaders are expected to accelerate negotiations for a Philippines-Canada free trade agreement and a Canada-ASEAN FTA.
  • The trip will be the first official visit by a Philippine president to Canada in more than a decade.
File photo of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during their first in-person bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October 2025. (PCO)
File photo of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during their first in-person bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October 2025. (PCO)

President Marcos will seek to advance negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and Canada during his official visit to Canada next week, as Manila and Ottawa move to deepen their growing economic and security partnership.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Marcos will visit Vancouver, British Columbia, from July 1 to 4, marking the first visit by a Philippine head of state to Canada in 11 years.

The Canadian government said the two leaders are expected to identify opportunities to strengthen further bilateral ties, including accelerating negotiations for both a Philippines-Canada free trade agreement and a Canada-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) FTA.

Both trade deals are targeting completion this year under the Philippines' chairmanship of ASEAN.

“Building on this momentum, Prime Minister Carney and President Marcos Jr. will identify further opportunities to deepen our economic and security partnership. This includes accelerating the negotiations of a Canada-Philippines free trade agreement and a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement, both targeting conclusion this year during the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship,” it said.

“In an increasingly dangerous and uncertain world, Canada is focused on what we can control: diversifying our trade, attracting investment, and deepening our ties with reliable partners,” it added.

Canada is home to nearly one million Canadians of Filipino descent, making the Filipino diaspora one of the country's largest and fastest-growing communities.

Carney described the Filipino community as one of Canada's "most dynamic, vibrant, and expansive" diaspora groups.

"The relationship between Canada and the Philippines is strengthened by the deep ties between our citizens," the Canadian leader said.

“I look forward to hosting President Marcos Jr. as we bring our countries ever closer,” he added.

Defense, maritime security on agenda

Meanwhile, aside from trade, Marcos and Carney are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in maritime security, defense, energy, critical minerals, food security, tourism, and culture.

The planned discussions come amid rapidly expanding defense ties between Manila and Ottawa.

Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. became the first Philippine defense chief to visit Canada, where the two countries signed a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and a Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defense Cooperation.

The agreements are expected to improve interoperability and deepen military cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Growing economic partnership

Canada said bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries reached $3.4 billion in 2025, making the Philippines Canada's sixth-largest export market in ASEAN.

Canadian direct investments in the Philippines have also increased by more than 40 percent over the past year.

Ottawa has likewise expanded its presence in the Philippines through the establishment of an Export Development Canada office and an Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food office.

Building on earlier commitments

The upcoming trip follows Malacañang’s earlier announcement that President Marcos would undertake an official visit to Canada upon the invitation of Carney.

According to the Palace, the two leaders are expected to review progress in defense and security cooperation and explore ways to strengthen collaboration in energy, critical minerals, economic resilience, and investment promotion.

Marcos is also expected to meet Canadian business leaders and investors involved in information technology, business process management, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure, and other high-growth industries.

The President will be accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during engagements with the Filipino community in Vancouver.

The trip will be Marcos' first visit to Canada as President and the first official visit by a Philippine head of state to Canada since former president Benigno Aquino III traveled to the country in 2015.

The Philippines and Canada celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024.

Canada has been an ASEAN Dialogue Partner since 1977 and has maintained a Strategic Partnership with the regional bloc since 2023.

Related Tags

PH-Canada President Marcos Bongbong Marcos free-trade agreement (FTA) Mark Carney
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