BritCham Philippines to Support PH-Led Economic Briefing in September
The British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) Philippines held a media briefing today regarding the events to be held this month of September. The series of events in London include the Philippine Economic Briefing which will tackle topics on the developments in the country’s economy.
The Press Conference was held on the morning of September 5, 2018, to update the media of the upcoming events of the Chamber to continue promoting the Philippines to foreign investors in the United Kingdom
The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines
BritCham Philippines is focused very heavily on promoting trade and investment opportunities between the UK and the Philippines. On the Overseas Partner Delivery (OPD) project, the chamber offer services such as contact referrals, market introduction, market research, and trade missions. This has resulted in British companies successfully doing business in the Philippines such as Pizza Express, R&B Distillers, Verder, and Linn Products.
The Philippines is seen to be among the fastest-growing economies in the most dynamic region of the world with a 6% growth in the Q2 2018. The country has embarked on an ambitious national infrastructure program to support its expansionary economic initiatives and to sustain this progress. BritCham feels this to be a very attractive opportunity for British companies, government, and business groups.
“Business is not about one meeting… we must consistently keep a working relationship,” Chairman Nelson on BritCham as the recognized voice of British businesses in the Philippines with 280 members.
Upcoming events in the UK for Philippine investment discussions
Under the initiative of the Department of Finance and the Philippine Embassy in the UK, the Philippine Economic Briefing in London will be held this coming September 25. The event will be led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, on the country’s Macroeconomic Developments and Infrastructure Development Agenda. BritCham wishes to further highlight the opportunities that are here in the Philippines for the interested UK investors and businesses.
Following that, on September 27, 2018, the British Chamber will be organizing an event in London focused on creating a dialogue between British SMEs and the most relevant trade representatives of the Philippines. The event will feature DTI Secretary, Ramon Lopez to add to the level of interest on investing in the Philippines. The co-organizers, UK-ASEAN Business Council and DTI in London, aims for the event to stimulate UK-PH bilateral trade.
Later in the year from October 15 to 26, BritCham Philippines will participate in Britain in Southeast Asia (BiSEA) Roadshow where various companies will have the opportunity to understand more about the respective markets and their business interests. The Roadshow is a regular event participated by the British Chamber leaders across ASEAN to promote their respective countries.
BritCham Chairman Chris Nelson (top middle) with other representatives of British Chambers in Southeast Asia during the Roadshow in Birmingham/IMAGE from the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines
The Philippines in the eyes of British companies
“We must not assume that people know about the Philippines,” said Chairman Nelson during the media briefing. Therefore, the chamber works as a network as well as an informer to update and encourage the UK businesses of the Philippines as a viable export and investment partner, as well as inform them of the country’s economic situation and development.
In a report by the Financial Times, the Philippines was identified as one of the top 30 potential export markets of UK after Brexit. Additionally, this year, the local government signed the legislation, Ease of Doing Business Act, which seeks to streamline incoming investments in the country.
Also read: Differences between Anti-Red Tape Act and Ease of Doing Business Act
In return, more Philippine companies are seen expanding their business to the UK which includes Jollibee Foods Corporation. Jollibee will open its first store in the UK in October of 2018 and is also reportedly seeking to acquire Pret A Manger, a British sandwich chain.
Altogether, the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines strongly supports the government’s upcoming Philippine Economic Briefing in London. They also see the increase in the interest level of Filipino businesses in acquiring foreign investments and are working to produce interest on both sides. Other upcoming events from BritCham Philippines are the following:
- September 13 – Business Breakfast: Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
- September 18 – Business Breakfast: Business Analytics
- September 20 – 5th Speed Networking Night
Also read: International Tourism Day 2018 this September 27
Written by Heloise Diamante
