By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
FILE PHOTO of Chris Nelson, British Chamber Executive Director and Trustee
Just like what the British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines has been doing for many years, attracting more investors in the UK, collaborating with the government officials, lawmakers and economic managers, the chamber eyes more UK companies to come to the Philippines.
In an update sent by Chris Nelson, British Chamber Executive Director and Trustee, he revealed that UK pig meat exports to the Philippines reached £17m in just four months of 2022 alone, up by 46 percent to 13, 812 tons.
He views the additional entry of food imports in the Philippines, particularly pork, will help to address inflation and alleviate the high prices in the short term. “Obviously British companies are there to assist in terms of ensuring having enough supply of meat in the market,” Nelson said.
Besides, the British Chamber is currently in the initial planning phase to organize a promotional campaign on British pork and beef once again later this year.
The Philippines is now the UK’s second-largest non-EU pork export market, behind China.
He also referenced and agreed with President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr.’s remarks who is leading the Agriculture Secretary regarding the need to boost the industry, particularly continue the pork and poultry imports to combat rising pork prices and stabilize supplies.
Nelson also shared the plan to host a second Trade Mission focusing on the food and beverage industry in September.
He mentioned UK companies are also interested in the Philippines’ food and beverage industry. Therefore in September, the Chamber collaborated with Kent County Council for a two-day event to showcase over twenty-three (23) British companies that are manufacturers of healthy food, wines and spirits that are actively looking to expand their market access and successfully export to the Philippines.