Joint statement on the launch of exploratory discussions towards a potential Canada-Philippines free trade agreement
December 5, 2024
Canada and the Philippines enjoy a deep and longstanding relationship, based on our extensive commercial, cultural, and people-to-people ties. We share common values to maintain and improve the rules-based international trading system, including the importance of ensuring that the benefits of trade and investment are shared with all segments of society especially underrepresented groups.
On December 5, 2024, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, Mary Ng, and the Philippines’ Secretary of Trade and Industry, Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, met in Manila to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership and deepen bilateral trade and investment relations between both countries. To this end, the Ministers:
- reaffirmed the continued commitment of Canada and the Philippines to supporting a strong, rules-based international trading system and upholding their values of ensuring open, fair, and inclusive trade, promoting and protecting labour rights, and supporting environmental protection;
- underscored the importance of enhancing economic opportunities and benefits for businesses, consumers, and workers of both countries by improving market access conditions and creating a more predictable and transparent trading environment;
- reaffirmed their commitment to the substantial conclusion of an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) by the end of 2025; and
- agreed to deepen bilateral trade policy engagement through the launch of exploratory discussions to assess the potential for negotiations towards a comprehensive Canada-Philippines free trade agreement.
Both sides are aiming to meet for a first round of exploratory discussions in the first half of 2025.
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