The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), in partnership with AppleOne Group, HSBC, SGV & Co., Pru Life UK, and Shang Properties, held its 2025 Midyear Economic Briefing, “Powering Growth Through Policy, Partnership, and Innovation,” on July 31. The Philippine Business and News served as a media partner.

The forum highlighted the positive outlook for UK-Philippine trade, driven by key trade agreements and a shared commitment to accelerating green growth and clean energy transition.

DTI: Trade Ties with UK Stronger Than Ever

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for International Trade Group, Hon. Atty. Allan Gepty, reported that UK net foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Philippines reached US$764 million in 2024, the highest on record. Currently, 97 British-registered enterprises operate in the country’s economic zones, spanning BPO, aerospace, renewable energy, and advanced textiles.

“Solar investments alone are worth US$612.5 million, including Actis’s USD 600M Terra Solar project and Citicore’s EUR 9.8M Batangas plant,” Gepty said. He also underscored the importance of platforms like BCCP in fostering collaboration between government negotiators and industry leaders.

He further noted the impact of trade frameworks such as the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), and the Philippines’ interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

UK: Supporting the Philippines’ Green Transition

British Embassy Manila Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Mike Welch, CDA, A.I., emphasized the UK’s expertise and ongoing support for the Philippine Energy Plan and its clean energy shift.

“Our shared goal is to align with international best practices, optimize current structures, and build a strong pipeline across offshore wind projects,” Welch said.

He also highlighted UK Export Finance’s (UKEF) £5 billion coverage for sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure projects in the Philippines. BCCP Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson added that infrastructure and clean energy remain key priorities, noting the UK’s willingness to work collaboratively with other global investors to ensure the successful implementation of projects.

The Philippine Business and News supports the event as a media partner, while the representatives from the public and private sectors will provide insights into the fiscal policy roadmap designed to stimulate greater foreign direct investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, renewables, and PPPs. Another key area will be the Philippines’ trade diversification strategy, amid global trade and tariff uncertainties, highlighting key developments in Philippine-UK trade, including the launch of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), participation in the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), and the country’s intent to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). With the UK’s recent accession to the CPTPP, these initiatives are expected to increase market access in the region.

Additionally, the briefing will cover the legislative agenda under the 20th Congress. The Chamber remains firm in its call for the approval of its three key priority bills: the E-Governance Act and Konektadong Pinoy Act, both of which have garnered strong backing from stakeholders, and the Cybersecurity Act, driven by the urgent need to address rising cyberattacks across sectors. The Chamber also recognized that all three legislation will support the country’s digital transformation agenda and facilitate a streamlined approach to businesses wanting to start business in the Philippines. 

Meanwhile, BCCP Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson noted that, “The British Chamber will remain at the forefront of supporting key legislation to continue opening up the economy while promoting multiple areas of cooperation. This aligns with our goal in further increasing the UK-PH trade and the overall drive to boost its competitiveness in Southeast Asia.”

The British Chamber has consistently collaborated with government agencies and the private sector in addressing key areas such as inflation management, food security, and enhancing industry competitiveness across sectors like cybersecurity, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, among others. The Chamber remains committed to further strengthening UK-Philippine trade relations and contributing to the country’s broader economic growth.

Interested participants may register here:
https://britcham.org.ph/events/2025-midyear-briefing-powering-growth-through-policy-partnership-and-innovation/.