DTI Chief Courts UK Investors, Eyes PH as Key Hub

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque outlined strategies to strengthen United Kingdom-Philippines (UK-PH) economic ties at the “Forecasting 2025: UK-PH Economic Perspectives” forum on Jan. 30.

These initiatives align with the DTI’s broader campaign to position the Philippines as a premier investment hub.

“We celebrate another year of fruitful partnership between the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Together, we envision the Philippines as a prime investment destination in the region, with the UK as a vital partner in this transformation,” Roque said.

“We deeply value this partnership and see immense potential for further collaboration. We are actively pursuing initiatives to deepen our economic ties and create new opportunities for both our countries,” she added.

The event, attended by Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils, highlighted three key DTI initiatives aimed at deepening UK-PH economic relations.

One of the strategic efforts discussed was the Philippines’ bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Roque also welcomed the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides preferential access to the UK market for Philippine goods, boosting free trade between the two economies.

Both nations are set to establish the UK-Philippines Joint Economic and Trade Committee in the first half of 2025, creating a dedicated platform for trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Roque emphasized the Philippines’ efforts to streamline and digitalize processes to attract foreign investors.

“Our Green Lanes Program for strategic investments has already endorsed 179 projects with a total investment of PHP 4.55 trillion, and we are determined to do much more,” she said.

In 2024, the DTI exceeded its approved investment target, reaching PHP 1.62 trillion, surpassing its PHP 1.5 trillion goal.

Roque also underscored the significant opportunities for British investors in manufacturing, information technology and business process management (IT-BPM), and renewable energy.

“Under the visionary leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., let us forge a powerful alliance, working hand in hand to realize the Bagong Pilipinas—a Philippines where inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity are not mere aspirations but the foundation of a brighter future for every Filipino,” Roque said.

The event, hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) and its Executive Director Chris Nelson, featured key industry leaders, including DTI Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty, Philippine National Bank First Vice President Alvin Arogo, and Asian Consulting Group Founder and CEO Mon Abrea