28 March 2011 – The Philippines-British Business Council, led by its chairman Ambassador Jesus Tambunting, today met with British Ambassador Stephen Lillie at the Tower Club in Makati City. The meeting’s discussions revolved around the current relations between the Philippines and the UK.

Members of the council, led by Ambassador Tambunting (3rd from left), and Ambassador Lillie (4th from left)

Ambassador Lillie mentioned that the UK is intent on building strong relationships with emerging countries such as the Philippines. He pointed out that the areas of partnership with the Philippines has been comprehensive, ranging from human rights to the development of Mindanao, from climate change to trade and business.

Recently, bilateral trade between the two countries rose 23% as Philippine exports to the UK increased further.  British investments are down in Indonesia and Vietnam, but not in the Philippines. British investors are looking at the country’s infrastructure and power sectors, especially the public-private partnership projects being launched by the Aquino administration. Ambassador Lillie noted that the use of the English language in the Philippines has enhanced British investments in our BPO and international financial services sectors.

The UK’s coalition government of Conservatives and Liberals is presently focused on the British economy, particularly in addressing the budget deficit.  With their economy on the road to recovery and reform, the ambassador said that the context is positive for the revitalization of private-sector business councils.