Canada-ASEAN Business Forum 2026

Introduction

In support of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) will convene the Canada-ASEAN Business Forum 2026 in Manila, the Philippines. Held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS), the Forum will bring together senior government leaders, business executives, and institutional partners to advance the next phase of Canada-ASEAN economic cooperation.

As ASEAN approaches a pivotal moment in its economic trajectory, on track to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030, the Forum will serve as a strategic platform to align policy priorities with private-sector capabilities. It will strengthen the bridge between government and industry, supporting the translation of trade and investment frameworks into tangible commercial partnerships, more resilient supply chains, and sustainable, inclusive growth.

Anchored in the Philippines’ Chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the Forum will underscore Canada’s long-term partnership with ASEAN and highlight the private sector’s role in delivering practical outcomes across priority areas - food security, clean energy, infrastructure, innovation, and digital trade.

The Canada-ASEAN Business Forum 2026 will consist of panel discussions on priority sectors, several high-level roundtables, and the ASEAN-APEC Forum on Advancing MSME Development through Policy Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange held in collaboration with Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF). The forum will also include pre-arranged B2B matching for MSMEs in sustainable energy and ocean technology sectors.

Together, these convenings will provide a focused, high-level platform to support implementation readiness, foster trusted relationships, and identify concrete pathways for Canada-ASEAN collaboration in 2026 and beyond.

Why the Philippines in November 2026?

Holding the Canada-ASEAN Business Forum in the Philippines in 2026 is timely and strategically aligned with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship at a defining moment for the region. As one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies, the Philippines offers a strong platform for forward-looking regional dialogue as ASEAN navigates geopolitical realignment, accelerated digital transformation, climate imperatives, and shifting supply chains. The Chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” and its three priorities, Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment, closely align with the Forum’s objectives to advance trusted partnerships, deeper economic integration, sustainable development, and people-centred growth, positioning the Forum as a substantive contribution to ASEAN’s regional agenda.

Objectives

1. Advance economic integration and trade connectivity between Canada and ASEAN: Support and celebrate the conclusion of trade negotiations for an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA).

2. Promote dialogue and identify priority areas for collaboration: Provide a platform to discuss pressing issues and opportunities in Canada-ASEAN economic corridors.

3. Showcase opportunities and foster partnerships: Educate senior leaders on opportunities for deeper economic integration and highlight Canada’s value as a trusted partner.

4. Facilitate senior-level networking: Enable impactful interactions between top government and business decision-makers in Canada and ASEAN.

5. Strengthen CABC community: Deliver value and opportunities to CABC members through curated content and exclusive access to industry insights.