The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) will hold its first Trade and Connect event for 2025 titled “Forecasting 2025: UK-PH Economic Perspectives” on 30 January at the Makati Commerce Tower.

The event will feature insights from the Philippine government, the British Embassy in Manila, and the private sector regarding the economic outlook for 2025 and UK-Philippines trade relations.

Supported by Colliers as the venue partner and DAILY TRIBUNE as the media partner, the event will include presentations and panel discussions with key speakers: Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils, Philippine National Bank economist Alvin Arogo, and Asian Consulting Group CEO Mon Abrea.

The BCCP has remained optimistic about strengthening bilateral trade ties following the success of priority legislation in 2024. Total UK-Philippines trade in goods and services reached £2.9 billion in the year leading up to Q2 2024, driven by growth in sectors such as meat, pharmaceuticals, electrical goods, telecommunications, finance, and travel.

Key topics at the event will include the newly approved General Appropriations Act for FY 2025 and the Philippine Development Plan, with a focus on food security, infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and digital transformation. Strategies for enhancing investment opportunities in renewable energy, retail, real estate, manufacturing, and agriculture will also be discussed.

BCCP Executive Director Chris Nelson emphasized that key policy reforms will foster a more transparent, efficient, and business-friendly environment, making the Philippines an attractive investment destination for foreign investors.