Canada–Philippines relations are evolving in a region that is increasingly defined by strategic competition, rapid digital transformation, and growing security risks. In this environment, economic security has become a central pillar to ensure that growth, innovation, and job creation are not undermined by disruptions, coercion, or systemic vulnerabilities.
Economic security, however, cannot be achieved by any country acting alone. It depends on close co-operation among trusted partners. In this regard, the Philippines and Canada are well positioned to work more closely together.
As discussions toward a Canada–Philippines Free Trade Agreement advance, there is a timely opportunity to embed economic security considerations into bilateral co-operation. Doing so can help ensure that deeper economic ties are supported by trusted digital systems, resilient supply chains, and stronger defence-related industrial linkages.
In line with this, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and the Stratbase Institute, in collaboration with the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines, are organizing a high-level, invite-only conference on March 13, 2026. It will convene senior policymakers, industry leaders, and strategic experts to explore how Canada and the Philippines can strengthen collaboration on economic security, with particular focus on advanced technology partnerships, critical mineral and clean technology development, and defence industrial co-operation.
