PBBM urges Canada to work with ASEAN on free trade deal

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

Marcos acknowledged Canada’s longstanding support for ASEAN centrality amid the evolving regional landscape. (PCO Photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on Canada to work closely with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) toward the swift conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement, saying the deal would open economic opportunities for both sides.

“We recognize the importance of connecting and integrating our economies and we believe that the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement currently being negotiated would present opportunities for both sides,” President Marcos said during the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience in Lao PDR.

“We thus urge Canada to continue to work with us.

I am certain that since all member states are desirous of this agreement, we will find consensus on all remaining issues,” he added.

Marcos acknowledged Canada’s longstanding support for ASEAN centrality amid the evolving regional landscape.

“This clearly demonstrates Canada’s firm commitment to regional peace, security, and prosperity; and to ASEAN integration and the ASEAN Community-building process,” he said.

President Marcos likewise commended Canada’s initiatives in health security within ASEAN, stressing its importance for preparedness and resilience.

Marcos highlighted Canada’s position as a key destination for ASEAN students and migrant professionals, saying he looks forward to programs “aimed at advancing digital skills, healthcare, science and technology.”

“We welcome the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) initiative, which has provided 616 scholarships for students from ASEAN member states to study and conduct research in Canada since it started in September of 2018,” he said.

The President welcomed Canada’s continued support for ASEAN’s efforts in strengthening policies to protect migrant workers and their families.

This is through the Tripartite Action for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers in the ASEAN Region (TRIANGLE in ASEAN) Programme, including the annual conduct of the ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour and development of the ASEAN Guidelines on Portability of Social Security Benefits for Migrant Workers.

Before concluding his remarks, Marcos expressed confidence that Canada’s upcoming presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) in 2025 will play a significant role in addressing global challenges and promoting closer cooperation with ASEAN.