Canada Says Trade Talks With the Philippines and ASEAN Are More Than 90% Complete

Canada says negotiations on separate free-trade agreements with the Philippines and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are more than 90% complete, with Ottawa aiming to finish both by November.

What happened

Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said there was momentum on both negotiations and linked the push to Canada's broader effort to diversify economic ties and strengthen supply chains. Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit Manila in November.

Context

Canada has been deepening commercial engagement with Southeast Asia while developing Pacific-coast LNG capacity and seeking new investment relationships in the region.

What happens next

Negotiators will attempt to close the remaining issues before Carney's planned visit, when Ottawa hopes the agreements will be ready.