Canada’s trade minister said separate free trade agreements with the Philippines and ASEAN are more than 90% complete, with Ottawa aiming to have both ready before Prime Minister Mark Carney visits Manila in November. Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said the negotiations reflect Canada’s broader effort to diversify economic relationships and strengthen supply chains amid global uncertainty, rather than a strategy focused primarily on changes in U.S. trade policy. Canada is presenting energy, including expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, as a major opportunity for Southeast Asia, where fuel-importing economies face higher costs and supply concerns after disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Ottawa has also committed funding to the Luzon Economic Corridor and is examining opportunities in Philippine energy, data centers and related infrastructure. Sidhu said trade agreements generally encourage new projects and partnerships by signaling government support, but declined to estimate potential investment from the Philippines deal.