The Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK) have signed a Government-to-Government (G2G) Partnership that will strengthen financial and trade cooperation and provide access to up to £5 billion (approximately PHP419.90 billion) in UK Export Finance (UKEF) support for priority programs and projects.
The Partnership was finalised by UK Trade Minister Lord Anas Sarwar, UK Ambassador Sarah Hulton OBE, and Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go.
“We are opening new opportunities to bring financing, expertise, and partnership to projects that matter to the Filipino people. This Government-to-Government Arrangement gives us a practical framework for financial and development cooperation. Ultimately, this partnership must translate into jobs, stronger businesses, better infrastructure, and broader opportunities for Filipinos,” Secretary Frederick Go said.
“Delivering on our recently published G2G Strategy, this partnership shows the UK building modern trade relationships that will deliver tangible economic benefits—jobs and growth—both at home and abroad. This G2G is a route for the Philippines to access UK expertise, goods, services and financing; and for British businesses to partner with the Philippines and participate in future projects,” UK Trade Minister Sarwar said.
The G2G Partnership comes at an important time for the Philippines as it continues its transition to an Upper Middle Income Country (UMIC).
As the country enters this next phase of development, it is important to sustain productivity and investment, create more and better jobs, strengthen economic resilience, and promote inclusive and equitable economic growth.
With a framework established, both governments will focus on identifying and advancing strategic and viable projects that are aligned with the Philippines’ development agenda.
The Philippines and the UK had already begun discussions on potential projects through the Infrastructure Sectoral Working Group (SWG) of the Philippines–UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).
Potential areas of cooperation include energy transition, sustainable transport, water and sanitation, aviation, and social infrastructure, among others.
With the UK now a member of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), the Philippines and the UK can bring together financing, technical expertise, and private-sector investment to strengthen connectivity, energy systems, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing supply chains across Luzon.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone as both countries commemorate their 80 years of diplomatic relations this year, underscoring the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United Kingdom.
Secretary Frederick Go expressed his appreciation for the UK Government’s support and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a strong bilateral partnership that translates opportunities such as this into tangible outcomes for the people.
