UK’s Cleverly sees enhancing trade with Philippines

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Tuesday said he sees a lot of opportunities when it comes to enhancing relations with the Philippines, including trade ties.

Cleverly paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in Malacañang Palace.

"We are now looking towards enhancing the trade relationship, which is in a good place, that there is still growth. I know that you are very focused on attracting investment into the country and I’ve been discussing with our ambassador about UK export finance facility, which I hope would encourage UK companies to invest more broadly," Cleverly said.

Cleverly also mentioned Marcos' focus on other aspects such as climate change and renewable energy.

"I think once again that’s an area where we can work very, very closely together. So I see lots of opportunities to build on what is a really positive bilateral relationship," Cleverly said.

For his part, Marcos said there has been a shift for Europe to look post-pandemic to Asia, specifically Southeast Asia, in order to begin the transformation of economies.

"We are not quite at pre-pandemic levels yet, but we are fast approaching that, and that of course, is very important for us," Marcos said.

Prior to meeting the President, Cleverly also met with his Philippine counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News