PEZA Makes Strong Pitch to British Investors at London Forum

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM —In the heart of the UK’s financial district in Canary Wharf, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), and HSBC jointly hosted the Philippine-British Investment Forum on June 27 to promote strategic investment opportunities and deepen bilateral economic ties between the Philippines and the United Kingdom.

Held at HSBC’s headquarters in Canary Wharf, the event brought together key stakeholders and a curated audience of potential investors to hear directly from top Philippine officials and private sector leaders.

Among the distinguished speakers were Philippine Ambassador to the UK Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga, Asian Consulting Group Chief Tax Advisor Raymond Abrea, IBPAP Chief Operating Officer Celeste Ilagan, and HSBC UK’s Country Head of Global Trade Solutions Stephanie Betant.

Building on the £3.0 billion trade relationship between the UK and the Philippines, the forum highlighted macroeconomic trends, sector-specific growth opportunities, and the advantages of investing in PEZA zones, including generous tax incentives.

According to PEZA, 89 British-registered business enterprises have cumulatively invested ₱34.036 billion since 1995. Director General Tereso O. Panga emphasized the importance of the UK as the fourth-largest investor in PEZA and pointed to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) as a critical tool for exporters looking to access UK and EU markets.

“This is the best time to come to the Philippines for business,” Panga said. 

“We’re one of the best-performing economies in the region. We’re gaining traction in the FDI race in ASEAN. With developments like China Plus One and the US reciprocal tariff policies, the Philippines is the most cost-effective alternative for companies relocating and aiming to export to the US and EU,” he added. 

Chris Nelson, Executive Chairman of BCCP, echoed Panga’s call, saying the Philippines presents immense opportunities, particularly in infrastructure and renewable energy.

“We’ve always said: go to the Philippines. It’s an important market in its own right, and a gateway to Southeast Asia.” 

“We’re here to help British companies explore the market, do research, and arrange introductions. Think long-term,  invest in the Philippines,” he said. 

The positive tone of the forum reflects continued economic momentum for the Philippines. The country recorded 5.4% GDP growth in Q1 2025, making it the second-fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia. Inflation also eased to 1.3% in May, the lowest in six years—prompting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to hint at possible interest rate cuts, further encouraging foreign investor confidence.

Photo Source: Rose Eclarinal