British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson said in an interview that the Philippines’ proactive signing of measures focused on e-Governance, further liberalization of land lease and opening up the telecommunications and renewable energy sectors could increase bilateral trade with the United Kingdom.
The third quarter of the year has witnessed the passage of the following legislation: Republic Act No. 12252 Amended Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act, Republic Act 12254 E-Governance Act, Republic Act No. 12234 Konektadong Pinoy Act, which were identified as a priority legislation by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
According to Nelson, this gives a strong signal to investors that the country remains an ideal destination for British and other foreign businesses.
Nelson noted that, ‘We were a supporter of the extension of the 99 year lease, and we would echo what Secretary Go said, and this is obviously helping the Philippines bring in line with other countries and will certainly help with investor interest. We recently had an investor forum in London, June 27, with PEZA, with the Director General Panga. I would just like to highlight that one of our members, AstraZeneca, announced separately that they will be investing significantly in the PEZA zone.’
On Aug. 19, 2025, an agreement between PEZA and AstraZeneca was signed, establishing a local innovation hub to further strengthen the country’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.
At present, the UK-Philippine trade remains at an upward trajectory at £3.0 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2025 in total trade in goods and services.
At the beginning of the year, the UK was identified as a leading investor by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), citing more opportunities at the recently held investment forum last 27 June 2025, in partnership with the British Chamber.
Nelson also welcomed the UK Ambassador-designate to the Philippines, Sarah Hulton OBE and look forward to further advancing its continued partnership with the British Embassy Manila with upcoming initiatives such as the Great British Festival and preparations for the 80th year of diplomatic relations of the UK and the Philippines in 2026.
Another area of opportunity will be the Philippines’ interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to which the UK acceded in December 2024.
He added that, ‘We have seen it continue to grow and the momentum is there. We would like to see it accelerate more. We have seen the UK showing an interest particularly in renewable energy, so our aim is to move us much further up the ladder in terms of the trade between the UK and the Philippines.’