# Philippines expands trade, defence and maritime ties

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/philippines-expands-trade-and-maritime-partnerships
> Updated: 2026-07-30T21:53:08.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

In early July 2026 the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding with Canada in Vancouver, targeting private‑sector investment, critical minerals, energy projects and a future free‑trade agreement, while also enhancing defence and maritime cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific.

Later that month the Philippines deepened outreach to Latin America by signing a MoU with Panama at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, focusing on academic cooperation and broader collaboration in commerce, maritime affairs, technology and education.

On 25 July, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez‑Acha and Philippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lázaro reaffirmed the partnership, adding commitments to expand trade, maritime services and joint research, and highlighting Panama’s logistics hub role for Asia.

On 30 July, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. elevated bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. A 2026‑2030 Plan of Action was adopted, covering trade, investment, regional security, cyber‑threat collaboration and anti‑money‑laundering measures, backed by a CAD 3.6 million package. The agreement launches free‑trade negotiations, a new labour‑migration framework and expanded defence cooperation, though human‑rights groups warned that deeper ties could affect democratic accountability in the Philippines.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-30: Canada and Philippines Formalize Strategic Partnership to Boost Trade, Defence and Security

Canada and the Philippines have upgraded ties to a Strategic Partnership, launching trade talks, defence cooperation and anti‑money‑laundering projects, while human‑rights groups voice concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-and-philippines-formalize-strategic-partnership-to-boost-trade-defence-and-security

### 2026-07-25: Panama and Philippines deepen trade and maritime cooperation

Panama and the Philippines signed a cooperation pact at an ASEAN summit, aiming to boost trade, maritime links, technology and academic exchange.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-and-philippines-deepen-trade-and-maritime-cooperation

### 2026-07-03: Canada and Philippines sign MOU to boost investment and pursue free‑trade pact

Canada and the Philippines signed an MOU to attract investment and are set to negotiate a free‑trade pact, boosting economic, energy and security ties.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-and-philippines-sign-mou-to-boost-investment-and-pursue-freetrade-pact

---
Cite as: Philippines expands trade, defence and maritime ties. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/philippines-expands-trade-and-maritime-partnerships