On July 31, 2023, Chris Nelson, executive director/trustee of the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), discussed the current state and developments of Philippine-UK trade relations and UK interest in the country in a media news outlet.
The recent State of the Nation Address given by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 24, highlighted not only the milestones achieved by the Philippine economy but also the key challenges that it continues to face. With food security being one of the key issues, the British Chamber sees the consumer and food sector as a focus for UK businesses.
“I would just like to highlight one point from the SONA—food security is a key issue. Inflation did improve in June, down to 5.4%. We've been very active. We just had two of the largest meat importers going to the UK for an event. And I think food supply is going to be a key focus,” said Nelson in an interview.
In 2022, the UK exported over 30,000 tons of pork to the Philippines, with a 34% increase. This month, two Philippine meat importers, Atkins and Ramcar, participated in a meat trade mission, The Great Yorkshire Show – Business Mission.
This event was supported by the British Chamber to promote UK meat exporters while simultaneously aiding the challenge of food security in the Philippines. Both meat traders will also join this week’s World Food Expo 2023 at SMX Convention Center, Manila.
These collaborative efforts will help the country’s ease of doing business and make the Philippines an investment destination moving forward under Marcos administration. Indeed, the British Chamber aims to strengthen UK-PH trade relations by supporting more trade initiatives, programs, and events such as the Developing Countries Trading Scheme and the Great British Festival.