PEZA promotes ecozone opportunities in UK and Poland

Officials from the Philippines recently wrapped up a multi-leg investment mission to the United Kingdom and Poland in a renewed effort to strengthen trade and investment ties with key European markets.

The delegation, led by representatives from the country’s export and ecozone authority, met with government agencies, business groups, and foreign investors to promote opportunities in the Philippines’ special economic zones. The effort was conducted in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and in partnership with institutions including HSBC Philippines, BDO Unibank, and the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP).

The United Kingdom, currently the Philippines’ 12th largest trading partner, is also the fourth largest foreign investor in Philippine economic zones. The visit comes as the country begins to benefit from preferential access under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a trade arrangement that officials believe could significantly boost exports.

During the mission’s London leg, Philippine Ambassador to the UK Teodoro Locsin Jr. emphasized the role of special economic zones in fostering a business-friendly environment. Speaking at a forum hosted by HSBC UK, Ambassador Locsin described ecozones as “ecosystems of business efficiency,” designed to attract long-term foreign investments through streamlined processes and reliable systems.

The mission also involved briefings with UK-based firms in sectors such as clean energy, electronics, and fintech. Officials met with companies currently exploring relocation or expansion, including a Tier 1 supplier to Dyson that is considering the Philippines as its next regional manufacturing hub.

In Warsaw and Gdansk, the delegation held discussions with the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), as well as prospective investors in steel manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. Officials underscored the country’s strong economic fundamentals and recent reforms, such as the CREATE MORE law, which aims to provide competitive tax incentives for investors.

As part of the broader outreach, Philippine authorities explored collaboration opportunities with organizations such as Santander UK, SparQ International, and the UK Department for Business and Trade. Roundtable sessions also focused on improving bilateral cooperation in logistics, infrastructure, IT-enabled services, and advanced manufacturing.

Officials said the European investment drive builds on recent diplomatic and economic engagements, including the Department of Finance-led Philippine Economic Briefing in London in late 2024. To date, 64 British firms operate in Philippine ecozones, with a total capital infusion of %u20B134 billion and more than 72,000 jobs generated.

As preparations continue for the 80th anniversary of Philippine-UK diplomatic relations in 2026, business groups on both sides said they are optimistic about deepening commercial ties through strategic cooperation and investor confidence.