UK trade minister visits Phl

MANILA, Philippines - UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment Lord Stephen Green of Hurstpierpoint will visit the country this week in line with the strengthening of trade and investment ties between the UK and the Philippines.

In a statement, the British Embassy in Manila said Lord Green would be in Manila on Sept. 16-18 to meet with government officials and business leaders to deepen partnerships between the two countries.

In particular, he will be holding discussions with Philippine counterparts on the high-level trade mission of the Philippines to the UK next month.

Through the Philippines’ trade mission, the UK government would like Filipino firms to be able to check out investment opportunities there. UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) director for Manila Iain Mansfield said earlier that construction is among the areas where Philippine firms can invest in the UK given demand for houses there.

“We are the biggest investor from Europe to the Philippines but there is not much coming from here,” Mansfield said.

Apart from meeting with Philippine counterparts, Lord Green is set to discuss with the British Chamber of Commerce a new partnership to support UK companies doing business here.

He will likewise hold a range of meetings with senior business leaders to discuss potential commercial opportunities and partnerships.

During the visit, he will look into the preparations for the five-month celebration by the British Embassy of the best of British business and culture, building mutual prosperity and deeper friendship with the Philippines as well.