Canada FTA talks targeted to start in early 2026

THE PHILIPPINES and Canada could start negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) early next year, with the talks possibly concluding before next year ends, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

- 

Trade Undersecretary Allan B, Gepty said the first round of negotiations could kick off as early as the first quarter.

“The announcement for the exploratory talks was done last year ... the timeline is before year’s end (to) finish the reference paper, and then after that is the announcement of the negotiations,” he told reporters late Monday.

“The directive to us is to conclude the negotiation also next year,” he added.

‘An FTA with Canada is among the agreements the Philippines is working on to diversify its export markets,

“We will have to really work hard; that is why we are hoping to finish (the other pending) negotiations so we will have more time next year,” he added.

Mr. Gepty is set to meet with his Canadian counterpart to discuss the terms of reference within the week.

“We have to finalize the schedule of commitments. But offhand, the strategy is more of diversification, so basically what you can export to the US, you can also export to Canada,” he said.