PHILIPPINE Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga raised the importance of concluding the Philippines-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Asean-Canada FTA to expand trade, attract investment, and strengthen economic ties. Chan-Gonzaga expressed optimism about the conclusion of both negotiations, the Philippine Embassy in Canada said over the weekend.
He cited the FTA’s potential to expand Philippine exports of agricultural products, manufactured goods, electronics, and services, while encouraging investment, strengthening supply chains, and improving market access for small and medium-sized enterprises. The embassy said it remains “committed to advancing mutually beneficial trade, investment, and energy partnerships that contribute to a more resilient, diversified, and inclusive regional economy.” Chan-Gonzaga also stressed the importance of practical trade facilitation measures, transparent requirements, and technical assistance to maximize the benefits of both agreements.
He said that the Philippines’ legacy as the 2026 chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) would include a strong commitment to multilateralism, rules-based trade, and an open and predictable international trading system.
The ambassador reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to rules-based trade, deeper economic cooperation, and stronger energy partnerships during the fourth annual Canada-Asean Initiatives Economic Symposium, held on Oct. 13 under the theme “Building Canada-Asean Economic Resilience and Accelerating Market Penetration.” The symposium was sponsored by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, and co-organized by the York Centre for Asian Research and the Asean Committee in Ottawa.
Chan-Gonzaga participated in the “Ambassadors’ Panel: Economic Insights from Southeast Asia and Beyond,” alongside New Zealand High Commissioner Wendy Matthews and Global Affairs Canada Director General Alan Bowman.
The envoy highlighted opportunities for stronger Philippines-Canada cooperation in diversifying energy supplies, strengthening regional energy resilience, and supporting the Philippines’ long-term energy transition, including the development of nuclear power. He emphasized the importance of commercially viable energy partnerships, reliable infrastructure, and competitive energy prices in ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
The symposium also featured Global Affairs Canada’s Chief Negotiator for the Canada-Asean FTA Jay Allen, Sun Life Director of Geopolitical Economics Motria Savaryn-Roy, and a fireside chat with former Québec premier and Canada-Asean Business Council Honorary Chairman Jean Charest, the embassy said.
