The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines eyes further increase of foreign direct investment inflows from the UK after it reached its highest record to date at $764 million in 2024, to be supported by key trade developments between the Philippines and the UK and as the two countries approach its 80th diplomatic relations in 2026.
During the Chamber’s Midyear Economic Briefing, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Atty. Allan B. Gepty further cited the developments in key sectors such as renewable energy, BPO, renewable energy, and agriculture, as well as investment opportunities present in the country’s ecozones, noting that, “Solar investments alone are worth US$ 612.5M, with Actis’s US$ 600M commitment to the Terra Solar project and Citicore’s EUR 9.8M Batangas plant.
UK pork exports to the Philippines have helped stabilized Philippine food inflation, and the UK Investment Partnerships programme channels capital into green infrastructure.”
Usec. Gepty also noted three key frameworks that assist in the UK-Philippine economic growth such as the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) which established four sectoral working groups on infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture and technology, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Meanwhile, BCCP Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson remained optimistic, citing the total trade in goods and services between the UK and the Philippines at an all-time high at £3.0 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2025. Nelson also looks forward to welcoming the new British Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton in September, emphasizing the work with the British Embassy Manila and former British Ambassador Laure Beaufils.
More recently, during the farewell call, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. noted that, “As we prepare to mark 80 years of PH-UK diplomatic relations, we are grateful for your efforts in strengthening our cooperation on defense, trade, education, and regional peace.”
Nelson also cited the recently held Philippine-British Investment Forum in London last 27 June 2025 with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), following the report that the UK is the leading investor in January 2025, totaling to 64 British locator companies and a cumulative investment of Php34.036 B.
Lastly, Nelson reiterated President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA), encouraging investors in the country by noting that, “We want companies to come here. We want this to be the preferred option. We look forward to getting legislation passed quickly in the 20th Congress. We would like to see more investments from the UK and encouragement in terms of the ease of doing business initiatives in the Philippines.”
