Showing up and delivering: A stronger UK-Phl and Asean partnership

The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling economic success stories. A young and dynamic population, strong growth prospects and increasing regional influence are creating new opportunities for international partnerships. For the United Kingdom, this is a moment to deepen a relationship that is already delivering results and has significant potential to do even more.

This year marks 80 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and the Philippines. It also comes five years after the UK became an ASEAN Dialogue Partner, reflecting our growing engagement with one of the world’s most important economic regions.

But anniversaries alone do not define a partnership. What matters is whether countries can work together to create growth, investment and opportunity for their people. That was the focus of my recent visit to the Philippines.

Working with ASEAN

The UK’s commitment to Southeast Asia is clear. Through our partnership with ASEAN, we are helping shape the future regional economy through cooperation on digital trade, financial services and resilient supply chains. These are not abstract policy discussions. They are the foundations of future prosperity and competitiveness.

As ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines has played an important role in advancing priorities such as digital transformation, sustainable development and closer regional economic integration. The UK stands ready to support that leadership.

Advancing our bilateral partnership

The same spirit of ambition is evident in our bilateral relationship. Trade between the UK and the Philippines has reached 3.1 billion pounds, having tripled over the last two decades. That growth demonstrates not only the strength of our existing relationship, but also the scale of the opportunity that remains ahead. Our trade relationship is already grounded on solid foundations such as the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) that helps Philippine businesses of all sizes to seize duty-free trade to the UK market today.

During my visit, I co-chaired the second Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), the first to be held in the Philippines with Undersecretary Allan Gepty. The JETCO provided a platform to resolve market access issues and support two-way trade and investment. It also allowed us to discuss the Philippines’ application to join CPTPP, which presents a great long-term growth opportunity with some of the world’s most dynamic economies in the years ahead and of course with the UK. We also agreed a practical workplan to deepen cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, sustainable infrastructure and economic development. This continues to provide a clear framework that is based on business feedback for our governments to address barriers, encourage investment and turn shared ambition into further opportunities for both countries.

Trade, however, is only part of the story. Long-term growth depends on investment, infrastructure and the ability to connect economies. That is why I was pleased to sign a Government-to-Government Infrastructure Partnership with Finance Secretary Frederick Go. The agreement creates a new route for priority Philippine infrastructure projects to access UK expertise and up to 5 billion pounds (P414 billion) in UK Export Finance support.

At a time when countries are looking for high-quality financing and trusted partners, this partnership demonstrates the UK’s commitment to supporting the Philippines’ development ambitions while also creating opportunities for British businesses.

Business lies at the heart of this partnership. Governments can create the conditions for growth, but it is businesses that generate investment, create jobs and drive innovation. Throughout my visit, I met leaders from both British and Philippine companies who are already contributing to that success.

One example is the partnership between Philippine Airlines, Airbus and Rolls-Royce. It demonstrates how British technology and expertise can support the growth of the Philippines’ aviation sector while sustaining highly skilled jobs and exports in the UK. It is precisely the kind of mutually beneficial partnership we should seek to replicate.

Looking ahead, the case for deeper UK-Philippines cooperation is a strong one. Both countries believe in open markets, innovation and international partnerships. Both recognize the importance of resilient supply chains and sustainable growth. And both understand that economic success is built through practical cooperation rather than rhetoric.

The opportunity before us is significant. The task now is not simply to celebrate the progress already made, but to build on it. That means increasing trade, attracting investment, strengthening business partnerships and creating good jobs in both countries. That is the modern and ambitious UK-Philippines partnership we are determined to build.

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Lord Anas Sarwar is the UK Minister of State for Trade.