UK businessmen eye Philippine transport sector

MANILA, Philippines - Business delegates from the UK are set to arrive this week to explore opportunities in the country’s transport sector.

Nine UK firms specializing in the development, implementation, and operations of transport projects will visit the country to engage with Philippine government officials and local businesses.

This follows the visit of Richard Graham, trade envoy of the UK prime minister, to the Philippines last month.

“The UK transport mission is the first of several British business delegations visiting the Philippines in the coming months. It reinforces the UK’s commitment to deepen two-way trade and investment relations,” said Mike Moon, Trade and Investment director at the British Embassy Manila.

Among the UK companies that are part of the transport mission include Aggreko, Arup, Atkins, Arcadis/EC Harris, Foster & Partners, Hawker Sidley Switchgear Ltd, Indigovision, Roughton Group and Smiths Detection.

With its strong global reputation for airports and aviation, UK’s expertise and best practices are seen to be a big help to the Philippines’ infrastructure development which is part of the current administration’s 10-point economic agenda.

“The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is an example of how UK capabilities can add value across the project life cycle, involving British firms such as Mott Macdonald for technical consultancy, Arup for design, Zoeftig for interiors, and G4S and Smiths Detection for security solutions,” Moon said.

The UK also pioneered railway development and is widely recognized for its capabilities in planning, station design, project delivery, rail infrastructure and equipment, asset management, and safety and security including operations and training. 

According to Moon, a number of UK companies are being engaged for the front end work, delivery and supply chain requirements of some of the live and pipeline rail projects in the Philippines.