From Dialogue to Opportunity: CABC Engagement in Manila, the Philippines
The Canada-ASEAN economic relationship is entering an important phase. With trade and investment ties growing, negotiations for the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) progressing, and businesses across both regions looking for new markets and partnerships, the next step is turning policy momentum into commercial opportunities.
For CABC, that means staying close to the conversations shaping the region—and ensuring that the perspectives of businesses are part of them.
Against this backdrop, CABC undertook a series of engagements in Manila, the Philippines, alongside the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting, connecting with government officials, ASEAN institutions, and business leaders to exchange perspectives and explore opportunities for deeper Canada-ASEAN economic cooperation.
Connecting Policy Priorities with Business Opportunities
CABC’s engagements with Indonesia’s financial services and trade institutions highlighted the importance of understanding national and regional priorities as businesses consider opportunities across ASEAN. CABC met with Mr. Ogi Prastomiyono, Chief Executive of Insurance, Guarantee, and Pension Fund Supervision at Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority, to introduce CABC and its members and exchange perspectives on Indonesia’s priorities for its upcoming Chairmanship of the ASEAN Insurance Regulators’ Meeting (AIRM).
CABC also met with Mr. Johni Martha, Director-General of International Trade Negotiations at Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, alongside CABC members Export Development Canada (EDC) and BlackBerry. The discussion explored opportunities for Canadian businesses in Indonesia and how Canadian expertise, investment, and partnerships can contribute to Indonesia’s priorities. The conversations also highlighted the importance of agreements such as the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) and ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) in creating a stronger framework for commercial engagement. For businesses, however, agreements are only the starting point. The value of improved market access ultimately depends on whether companies can identify partners, understand markets, navigate regulatory environments, and build relationships on the ground.
CABC at the 15th AEM-Canada Consultation
CABC participated in the 15th ASEAN Economic Ministers-Canada Consultation on September 22, 2026, alongside Patron Members BlackBerry and Export Development Canada (EDC). The delegation brought the perspectives of the Canadian private sector operating in and looking to expand across ASEAN, presenting policy recommendations, market barriers, and sector-specific priorities directly to Ministers.
The delegation also received positive feedback from the ASEAN Secretariat, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Minister Maninder Sidhu on CABC’s work to advance Canada-ASEAN commercial ties. Discussions reinforced the importance of private-sector involvement in ensuring that the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) delivers practical value for businesses once implemented.
The Consultation reaffirmed the importance of strengthening economic cooperation between Canada and ASEAN, while negotiations for ACAFTA remain on track for substantial conclusion in 2026, with Ministers committed to the planned signing of the Agreement in 2027.
For the business community, this progress matters because a comprehensive trade agreement can provide greater predictability and a stronger foundation for trade and investment.
The years ahead will require sustained engagement between governments and businesses to ensure that the benefits of the agreement translate into practical market opportunities. This includes helping businesses understand new provisions, identify areas of opportunity, build cross-border partnerships, and navigate the increasingly interconnected ASEAN market.
CABC sees an important role for the private sector in this process: not only as a beneficiary of stronger economic ties, but as an active partner in shaping and translating them into commercial outcomes.
Building the Connections Behind the Trade: Canada-ASEAN VIP Reception
These priorities were also reflected in CABC’s Canada-ASEAN VIP Reception, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
The Reception brought together over 80 government and business leaders, creating a space for stakeholders from Canada and ASEAN to exchange perspectives, strengthen relationships, and identify opportunities for greater commercial cooperation.
The evening also marked an important institutional milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CABC and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines.
Signed by CABC President Wayne Farmer and ASEAN-BAC Chair Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III, and witnessed by Jay Allen, Director General, Trade Negotiations, Global Affairs Canada, the MoU establishes a framework for strategic cooperation on business and investment, innovation, MSME development, and stronger Canada-ASEAN commercial relations.
The significance of partnerships such as this extends beyond a single agreement. Strong economic relationships are built through networks, between businesses, institutions, policymakers, and communities. Creating more of these connections can help turn shared priorities into partnerships and opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The engagements in Manila reinforced a broader point: the Canada-ASEAN relationship is moving from dialogue toward a more commercially focused phase.
The policy architecture is developing. Trade agreements are progressing. Businesses are looking beyond traditional markets. And both Canada and ASEAN have an opportunity to deepen cooperation in areas including digital transformation, financial services, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and resilient supply chains.
For Canadian businesses, that means greater awareness of ASEAN markets and stronger relationships with local partners. For ASEAN businesses, it means creating more pathways to Canadian capital, expertise, technology, and markets. For governments and business organizations, it means creating platforms that help these connections happen.
As a bridge between the public and private sectors, CABC will continue to bring business perspectives into regional conversations, connect Canadian and ASEAN stakeholders, and create platforms for practical engagement.
The opportunity ahead is not simply to deepen the Canada-ASEAN relationship on paper, but to build the partnerships, investments, and commercial connections that give that relationship lasting economic value.
