Manila, the Philippines - Global Affairs Canada
Yesterday, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, concluded his visit to the Philippines. While in Manila, he secured new growth opportunities for Canadian businesses, advanced Canada’s trade diversification agenda and expanded two-way trade and investment in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing markets.
Minister Sidhu reiterated Canada’s commitment to mutual economic prosperity and global
supply chains resiliency. In support of this, he announced:- Canada has accepted the invitation, extended by the Government of the Philippines, and in partnership with the United States and Japan, to join the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Partnership
- on behalf of the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), a contribution of $2 million to fund targeted technical assistance for a LEC project.
During a visit to Asian Aerospace, Minister Sidhu highlighted the success of Canadian aerospace companies working in the Philippines, such as De Havilland Canada. Strategic partnerships with firms like Asian Aerospace facilitate effective market access, promotion and advance Canadian commercial interests abroad.
The Minister also spoke with Government of the Philippines officials about Canada’s role as a strong, reliable and long‑term trade partner for the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted opportunities for Canadian firms across priority sectors such as agriculture, aerospace and defence. He also reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to concluding negotiations toward the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Canada and Canada-Philippines free trade agreements in 2026, highlighting their role in strengthening trade and investment ties, enhancing competitiveness and supporting long-term economic growth for both countries. He met with:
- Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Philippines
- Frederick D. Go, Secretary of Finance of the Philippines
- Gilberto E. Teodoro Jr., Secretary of National Defence of the Philippines
Finally, Minister Sidhu engaged with senior business leaders representing the Philippines largest conglomerates, members of the Makati Business Club and of the Private Sector Advisory Council, to highlight Canadian capabilities and secure business partnerships for Canadian and Philippine businesses. He also hosted roundtables with the defence, aerospace and agricultural sectors to discuss Canada’s trade and advocacy tools that help companies expand in the Philippine market. He took the opportunity to emphasize Canada’s expertise as a stable agricultural supplier that supports food security and promotes procurement pathways, partnerships and long-term industrial cooperation in aerospace and defence.
Quotes
“The Philippines is one of Canada’s most dynamic partners in the Indo-Pacific. Last year alone, Export Development Canada helped grow Canadian business here from $400 million to $1 billion—that momentum is real, and it’s accelerating. With support from sectors across Canada, I am pushing ahead with negotiations on both the Canada-Philippines FTA and the ASEAN-Canada FTA to conclude this year. My visit sent a clear signal: Canada is open for business in Southeast Asia, and the Philippines is a central part of that story.”
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
“Canada and the Philippines share a commitment to building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. Joining the Luzon Economic Corridor Partnership will strengthen trade and development ties, unlocking new opportunities to drive economic growth for both Canadian and global markets.”
- Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development)
“The relationship between Canada and the Philippines is stronger than ever, rooted in the deep people-to-people ties that nearly one million Canadians of Filipino descent have built over generations. That foundation is creating real opportunities for small businesses on both sides to work together, open new markets and build strong partnerships. Canada looks forward to building on that momentum.”
- Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
Quick facts
In 2025, the Philippines was Canada’s sixth-largest merchandise export market in ASEAN.
In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade totalled $3.4 billion ($3.2 billion in 2024), with merchandise exports to the Philippines totalling $1.1 billion ($1.4 billion in 2024) and imports from the Philippines totalling $2.3 billion ($1.8 billion in 2024).
Canada joined the LEC Partnership, an initiative under the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, which supports connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas in the Philippines through investments in infrastructure, clean energy, digital innovation, advanced manufacturing and agri-food.
The $2-million contribution announced is Canada’s first contribution to the LEC. Canada also committed to connecting potential investors with LEC opportunities by promoting the corridor to the Canadian private sector.
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