UK trade mission sets Phl visit

MANILA, Philippines - A trade mission composed of eight British firms is set to visit the country next week to explore opportunities in the healthcare sector.

According to the United Kingdom’s (UK) Embassy in Manila, the trade mission would be in the country from Jan. 21 to 22 to take a look at business opportunities.

“Eight companies will meet local key players and potential partners in the healthcare sector and participate in a healthcare conference to showcase their expertise in a wide range of products and services, among them healthcare technologies, equipment and devices; hospital infrastructure, design, management and maintenance; medicines and health supplements,” it said.

The Healthcare Conference would include presentations by Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa and Metro Pacific Investment Corp. – Hospital Group president Augie Palisoc.

The participating UK companies are Brandon Medical Co. Ltd. (medical technology such as lighting, power and control systems); Dental Composite Ltd. (dental products); EC Harris Ltd. (strategic healthcare planning services); GCE Ltd. (medical equipment); Halewood Chemicals Ltd. (pharmaceutical products); International SOS (Phils.) Inc. (medical and travel security services); Medikit Ltd. (First Aid kits and emergency medical equipment); and Sidhil Ltd. (hospital beds and furniture).

The UK is a powerhouse in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, with 17 of the 20 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world having research and development as well as manufacturing and sales sites in the UK.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is at the forefront of healthcare delivery, research and training to develop high-quality, innovative systems of care.

Meanwhile, its commercial healthcare sector has in-depth experience of working with NHS in planning and delivering services and deploying new technologies.

The UK is organizing trade missions to the Philippines in line with its aim of strengthening economic links here.

Last year, a British Business Center was set up in the Philippines to encourage more British firms to make the country its launchpad in the Southeast Asian region.

The British Business Center, located at the W Building in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and  which was put up with support from the UK government, is managed by the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines.

The business center is equipped with meeting rooms, work stations and a boardroom available for rent for their members as well as for UK companies wishing to start their business in the Philippines.