Marcos admin urged to sustain investor-friendly reforms

The British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) has called on the Marcos administration to sustain its current policies and advance reforms to attract more foreign investments.

BCCP Executive Director Chris Nelson emphasized the high interest among British firms in investing in the Philippines but noted that companies are waiting for policies that ensure a more stable business environment.

“The interest this year has been, based on my 10-year experience, as high as it’s been in the past,” Nelson said, urging the government to convert this interest into actual foreign direct investments (FDI).

The chamber acknowledged key reforms under the Marcos administration, including the extension of reduced pork tariffs until 2028, the passage of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act. 

The BCCP also commended efforts to manage inflation and improve trade practices, which strengthen bilateral ties between the Philippines and the United Kingdom.

For 2025, the BCCP outlined a “wish list” of priorities for the government, including passing the Cybersecurity Act, E-Governance Act, and Konektadong Pinoy Act; tackling red tape; liberalizing the economy; accelerating digitalization; promoting public-private partnerships and infrastructure development; advancing sustainability initiatives; and supporting small and medium enterprises.

“The Philippines has opportunities, but it has to articulate those… You’re competing against other countries. You have great strengths, but you’ve got to keep on pushing those strengths forward,” Nelson stressed.