As the country is heading towards the 2nd quarter of 2024, the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines successfully converged and discussed key priorities at its 2024 Annual General Meeting on April 22, 2024, at the British Ambassador’s Residence. It also presented key accomplishments in 2023 and key priorities in 2024 to its member companies.
BCCP Chairman William Bailey delivered his welcoming remarks by extending his warm gratitude to the BCCP members and its Board of Trustees for their continued support in representing the growing British business community in the Philippines.
His statement is also echoed by the Deputy Head of Mission Alistair White in his opening address. White highlighted the strong efforts from the diplomatic and business community which resulted in the Philippines and the UK trade being the highest it has ever been and has already surpassed its pre-pandemic trade levels.
BCCP Executive Director/Trustee Chris Nelson delivered the opening remarks to express his gratitude to the BCCP members for their support throughout the years. He also provided updates on the work done by the Chamber under its membership, events, and trade & advocacy department.
Nelson acknowledged the impact during the pandemic but emphasized the Chamber’s efforts in retaining a significant number of 300 member companies, both British and non-British, to be part of its growing network. Also in 2023, the Chamber remarkably hosted and partnered with over 45 face-to-face events and 40 virtual events which reinforced its commitment in transitioning to the ‘new normal’ which raised confidence among businesses to fully operate and develop meaningful partnerships. Nelson also reported the advocacy work of the Chamber which focused on the extension of lowered tariffs for pork, ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the ease of doing business among others which emphasized its role in furthering the bilateral trade relations of the Philippines and the UK.
The British Chamber continues to have a growing presence in the Philippine market and has maintained its commitment to fostering UK-PH trade relations by opening up trade opportunities to British companies with its Philippine counterparts. This has significantly established a competitive business landscape to assist in promoting the Philippines as an investment destination in the region.
