(Philippines, 5th) Canadian Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada and the Philippines plan to finalize a free trade agreement this year and have signed agreements to deepen cooperation in the fields of energy, defense, labor, and immigration.
On Thursday (July 2), Carney spoke while attending an event in Vancouver alongside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is visiting Canada this week: "In a world that is more dangerous and divided, economic strength must be reinforced by shared security."
This meeting comes as the Philippines seeks to expand its defense relations beyond its long-standing ally, the United States, while Carney is working to increase Canadian trade with countries outside the U.S. This visit is the first official visit to Canada by a Philippine leader in 11 years.
Last year, the Philippines and Canada signed a forces visit agreement, and the Philippines is seeking partners to address Beijing's claims in the South China Sea.
Last year, the Philippines and Canada signed a forces visit agreement, and the Philippines is seeking partners to address Beijing's claims in the South China Sea.
Carney said Canada is expected to complete free trade agreement negotiations with the Philippines—whose population numbers about 113 million—this year. He also stated that the Canadian government is working toward a trade agreement with ASEAN.
Last year, the bilateral trade in goods between Canada and the Philippines reached 3.4 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 9.751 billion ringgit). This trade negotiation is part of Carney's plan to double Canada's exports to markets outside the U.S. within ten years.
Last year, the bilateral trade in goods between Canada and the Philippines reached 3.4 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 9.751 billion ringgit). This trade negotiation is part of Carney's plan to double Canada's exports to markets outside the U.S. within ten years.