PHL companies expanding presence in UK

MANILA — At least three Filipino companies are expanding their presence in the United Kingdom (UK), affirming their global capabilities.

Iain Mansfield, director of the UK Trade and Investment at the British Embassy in Manila, said these companies include the Emperador Distillers Inc., the Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI), and Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Global.

Manfield said their investments range between US$ 500 million to US$ P1 billion.

“And yes, we are in talks with other companies as well…Probably five to 10 (companies). Financial services, energy, infrastructure, food and drink — these are some of the major sectors where we see potentials,” he told reporters on the sidelines of GREAT investment forum organized by the British Embassy in Manila.

Mansfield said the Embassy is aggressively promoting the investment potentials of UK to Philippines companies.

“I think, it is something which we feel that in the last three to four years, Philippine companies really started to internationalize… You have seen significant investments in the region in Australia, in the United States and Europe of Filipino companies,” he said.

But Mansfield said they expect to increase investments between the Philippines and UK.

“We still very much working with you few (UK) companies investing in the Philippines as well… I’m still very interested in trade going both ways, pushing investments in both directions,” he said.